Centennial celebrations continue at Fort Devens
The 100th year of its operation was recently celebrated at Fort Devens.
The weekend-long festivities began on Thursday, September 8 as overgrowth was cleared and flowers were planted by volunteers at the Sweet Heart Memorial. This monument is the oldest at Fort Devens and was built for military couples, symbolizing the importance of love, romance, marriage, and the burdens they experience when a soldier is deployed during wartimes.
A formation fun run was held the following day, after which local civil authorities presented a day of fun demonstrations and activities for families.
Garrison commander, Lt. Col. Efrem Z. Slaughter, commented that there are many traditions in the Army and Fort Devens has always supported the troops and mission of the Army, added that these celebrations are a way that Fort Devens shows its support.
Fort Devens, built in 1917 and known back then as Camp Devens, was built to train troops needed in Europe during World War I. In 1996, the Army post was closed at Fort Devens. Since then, it has become more active as Marine Corps Reserve and National Guard Soldiers are trained at the fort, and it has become home to training those in several federal and state agencies.
Flyers are often used to attract large numbers of people to events like these and to publicize the continuing efforts.
The weekend-long festivities began on Thursday, September 8 as overgrowth was cleared and flowers were planted by volunteers at the Sweet Heart Memorial. This monument is the oldest at Fort Devens and was built for military couples, symbolizing the importance of love, romance, marriage, and the burdens they experience when a soldier is deployed during wartimes.
A formation fun run was held the following day, after which local civil authorities presented a day of fun demonstrations and activities for families.
Garrison commander, Lt. Col. Efrem Z. Slaughter, commented that there are many traditions in the Army and Fort Devens has always supported the troops and mission of the Army, added that these celebrations are a way that Fort Devens shows its support.
Fort Devens, built in 1917 and known back then as Camp Devens, was built to train troops needed in Europe during World War I. In 1996, the Army post was closed at Fort Devens. Since then, it has become more active as Marine Corps Reserve and National Guard Soldiers are trained at the fort, and it has become home to training those in several federal and state agencies.
Flyers are often used to attract large numbers of people to events like these and to publicize the continuing efforts.