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.

Rare sight in #Uptown #Charlotte where a @USMC helicopter just landed for #MarineWeek2018 Three more on the way. #avition #nc #marines #military pic.twitter.com/LturAxroEs
— Blaine Tolison (@BTolisonWSOC9) September 4, 2018

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.

.@wsoctv Marine week officially begins September 5th in Charlotte. Some of the aircraft that will be on display arrived this morning. pic.twitter.com/ixZkNFv2BD
— Sean (@SeanWSOC9) September 4, 2018

No noise complaints here! Last two @USMC land in #Uptown #Charlotte for #USMarineWeek putting on quite a show. @wsoctv #MarineWeek2018 #MarineWeekCharlotte pic.twitter.com/npWwfQstOW
— Blaine Tolison (@BTolisonWSOC9) September 4, 2018

PROUD PARENTS: A big hug from Mom and Dad who just watched their @USMC son land massive CH53 helicopter into #Uptown #Charlotte pic.twitter.com/toTLeE25Sq
— Blaine Tolison (@BTolisonWSOC9) September 4, 2018

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.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

Cox Media Group