JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
Along with more than 500 Tricentennial community partners, U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) and Joint Base San Antonio commemorated San Antonio’s 300th anniversary by opening base access to the public for two days of music, activities, military demonstrations and celebration of San Antonio’s unique military history.
Thousands of residents of San Antonio and surrounding communities took advantage of perfect weather to come out for live music, rides, arts and crafts, military demonstration teams, historic tours, a polo match and much more.
"This weekend was an opportunity for the San Antonio community to learn about the history of their military and to hear about the jobs we do today," said Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan, commander, U.S. Army North (Fifth Army). "But most importantly, we wanted people to connect on a personal level with our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, and have some fun."
Military demonstrations from all services included the Black Daggers Parachute Demonstration Team, who are the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Parachute Team; the Army’s Fife & Drum Corps; and the 1st Cavalry Division’s Re-Enactment Group. Also on hand is a Navy working dog demonstration and Corpsman demonstration performance, as well as the USMC Silent Drill Team.
"We worked to make this event worthy of marking San Antonio's Tricentennial while offering people an excellent opportunity to learn more about the military. There were hourly historic tours, military band performances, and demonstrations from the Army's Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the Special Operations Command Parachute Demonstration team, and Air Force military working dog teams," Buchanan added. "Even the polo match gives people a chance to learn how that sport served as an important training method for military cavalry units throughout history, including Army and Marine Corps units."
Historical displays included a Civil War field hospital from the Army Medical Department Center of History and Heritage, the Bexar County 9th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers Association and a Wright B Flyer.
The weekend was capped off by a free concert from country star Aaron Watson and his band and a fireworks display May 6.