Current Agenda for the event as of April, 4 2008
1000 hours------Flyover of downtown Raleigh by aircraft formation of F-15E Strike Eagle jets from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.
1001 ---The parade formation will head north from the intersection of Fayetteville and Davie Streets to the Capitol and then continue north on Salisbury Street to the final destination where active duty and reserve military and families can break down for BBQ, fun land and entertainment. Parade participants will include solid representation from each and every military branch and installation from across the state of North Carolina . In addition to the marching troops, military bands and honor guards, there will be award winning high school bands representing Broughton High School, Athens Drive High School, a composite Wake County band, bagpiper groups, 82 nd AirBourne Choral, Fife and Drum Corps Band from Washington, DC and a myriad of musical entertainment. A major highlight of the parade will be all of the mobile resources including armored personnel carriers from Army, Marines and National Guard. Various types of high tech support equipment from each branch of service including mobile artillery and missile launch systems, medical transport equipment and other tactical assets. The very popular USO mobile canteen unit will be in the parade as well as in static display. Riders on the floats will include active duty and Reserve military family members.
1130 @---Public and military access to open static display area of equipment used by the modern day military. Items that are in the parade will be on display here plus various examples weaponry, armored vehicles, marine rescue, climbing walls and other equipment. Photo opportunities involving this equipment and assets such as uniforms will be available. There will also be popular exhibitions for making dog tags and demonstrating other military gear. In this static display, the North Carolina Pork Council will be providing (at no charge) samples of fresh cooked pork tenderloin. These displays will be provided by active military bases, military branch recruiting and military contractors/suppliers.
1130 @--Public and military access to open display area where at least four NASCAR Sprint Cup team's show cars sponsored by various branches of the military plus the AT&T #31 car with driver simulation electronics will be available for public use.
1130 @—Active duty and Reserve military and families will have “open gates” for family fun land consisting of rides, games, slides, obstacle course and all types of games for family entertainment and enjoyment. At least a dozen different entertainment activities for the active troops/reserves
1130@---Musical and other entertainment provided at “Center Stage” by local and national talent and performances for active duty and Reserve military and their families. Put on by USO of North Carolina .
1200 @----Active duty and Reserve military and their families will begin being served food produced, prepared and presented by the Pork Council of North Carolina and served by volunteers.
1200 —1700 ----Free access provided to Marbles Kids Museum for active duty and Reserve military and their families. The other state of North Carolina Museums (Science & History) are open to the public at no charge.
1900---2130 ----Carolina RailHawks (professional soccer) will host opening night game as WakeMed “Military Appreciation Night” and will provide at least 1000 and possibly as many as 2500 tickets to active duty and Reserve military and their families.
