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Military aircraft land in uptown to kick off Marine Week celebrations

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Wednesday marked the start of Marine Week in Charlotte -- and Channel 9 was there Tuesday morning as four Marine aircraft, including a CH-53 helicopter and an MV-22 Osprey, landed in uptown.

On Wednesday, to kick off the festivities, the USO of North Carolina hosted a "Salute to Freedom" concert starring Maggie Rose and the USO Show Troupe.

The "Salute to Freedom" concert is part of a larger USO of North Carolina effort that will be in town for the Marines-themed festivities Sept. 5-9.

To learn more about the upcoming concert or the USO of North Carolina, CLICK HERE.

A variety of family-friendly events will be held throughout Charlotte. Here are a few highlights:

  • Opening ceremony and "Salute to Freedom" concert – Wednesday at 6 p.m. at First Ward Park.
  • Gold Star Family wreath-laying ceremonies – Wednesday-Saturday at 9 a.m. at UNCC Center City Campus Garden.
  • Vietnam veterans pinning ceremony – Friday at noon at Marshall Park.
  • Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration – Saturday at 4 p.m. at The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
  • Closing ceremony and parade – Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at Trade and Tryon streets.

In addition, the Vietnam Traveling Wall, a replica of the Vietnam Wall in Washington, will be at Marshall Park (800 E. 3rd St.) during Marine Week. The memorial will be open from noon-7 p.m. Wednesday and from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

"Come out and meet these people because some of their life stories, some of their histories, and where they're going is just amazing," Staff Sgt. Joel Asher said.

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