[Imc-worcester] request for feature article

[ksen.piedmont at juno.com]

I'd like to do a feature piece on the upcoming
Army Recruitment drive/rally @ the Centrum.

I will post some background info soon.......

any concerns...

Keivn


T&G Article Below




Thursday, September 2, 2004 

Showing some spirit
U.S. Army picks Centrum for a New England rally    [four shows Sept. 10 and 11]


By Scott McLennan
ENTERTAINMENT COLUMNIST
smclennan at telegram.com
 

 

A large-scale military operation involving more than 400 soldiers from the U.S. Army is set to unfold next week in Worcester. But unlike most troops on the move, these soldiers have a mission to entertain and educate. 

The U.S. Army Military District of Washington is bringing its “Spirit of America” performance to the Worcester Centrum Centre for four shows Sept. 10 and 11. The two-hour performance is an overview of the history of the U.S. Army and its role in the development of the country. 

“Spirit of America” is a mix of ceremonial exercises, dramatic presentations and musical numbers all performed by servicemen and women attached to such elite units as The 3rd U.S. Infantry (“The Old Guard”) and the U.S. Army Band (“Pershing’s Own”). 

Some of the pageantry on display will be of the sort one usually had to travel to Washington, D.C., to see before the Army crafted this traveling display of history, education and entertainment. And the man leading the charge reiterated that while “Spirit of America” is a show, it is not performed by actors. 


 
“These are America’s sons and daughters, normal soldiers,” said Maj. Gen. Galen B. Jackman, the commanding general of the U.S. Army Military District. “Most are attached to the 3rd Infantry Unit. It’s amazing to see what goes into preparing for this, but it goes right back to their training, And when you see them perform, you can’t help but swell with pride.” 

Jackman, a career Army man who entered the service in 1973 through the ROTC program at the University of Nebraska, became a familiar figure to those who watched the funeral services for President Ronald Reagan. Jackman escorted Nancy Reagan throughout the services and rituals, many of which were televised events. 

“Spirit of America” is a free show and will be at the Worcester Centrum Centre with performances at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 10 and at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11. The morning show on Sept. 10 is already fully booked (with most seats going to area schoolchildren). Tickets for the remaining three performances can be picked up at the Centrum box office, 50 Foster St., Worcester. 

Worcester is one of three cities “Spirit of America” is visiting this year. The show, which started out as an attraction in Washington, D.C., was first set to travel outside the city in 2001 with its first stop scheduled for Sept. 17 in Pittsburgh. 

When the Pentagon fell under attack on 9-11, members of the 3rd Infantry were among the first to respond, and any notions of a ceremonial tour were scratched. 

Last year, “Spirit of America” made good on its promise to visit Pittsburgh. Jackman said it was there that a couple from Massachusetts encouraged him to visit the Bay State. 

“I called a recruiting commander I know up there and asked what he thought about us coming, and he thought it would be great,” Jackman said, noting that recruiting data and civilian-style market research helps set the touring schedule for “Spirit of America.” In addition to Worcester, the show is traveling to Albany, N.Y., as well as again visiting Washington. 

Jackman said that he, too, has learned a few things while shepherding the educational “Spirit of America” shows. 

“I’ve learned a lot about America being at these performances,” he said. “Granted, we are plucking at the heartstrings, but Americans by and large are deeply patriotic. We get a lot of energy from the audiences and their enthusiasm.” 

Jackman expected the shows happening here on Sept. 11 to be particularly emotional. 

“Whenever Sept. 11 is mentioned in any public forum, it draws out images and feelings about the country,” Jackman said. “I’m sure that as we are performing that day there will be a great deal of reflection on what that event meant to the country.” 

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