September 11, 2008 -- The Commodores are in Washington, DC to honor military and the other brave men and women who protect us, so that no one forgets the fateful date -- September 11. "We remember with patriotism and heartfelt sorrow those who were victims of 9/11 during the terrorist attacks and since. We honor the military as well as our police, firefighters and other emergency workers who have served and continue to protect all of us every day here and abroad," said William King, who spoke on behalf of the group.
The U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command was honored to have the Commodores, a perpetual force in the music industry for over three decades, as their guests to participate in the command's 9/11 remembrance events on Wednesday, September 10. The superstar group paid homage to those who lost their lives saving our country by accompanying Major General Roger A. Nadeau, Commanding General, US Army Test and Evaluation Command, and placing a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at 1:15 p.m. This followed a question and answer session with an audience of over 400 Soldiers and Army civilian employees at the ATEC Headquarters building,
ATEC is the Army's premier test and evaluation organization within the Department of Defense, consisting of over 8,500 personnel in 17 states, with its mission to provide timely and accurate test results and assessments to key defense leaders on the latest equipment and technology in support of the American Soldier.
On September 11, the Commodores, James "JD" Nicholas, Walter "Clyde" Orange and William "Wak" King, will visit wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, to show their personal gratitude for their service and sacrifices for their country.
While in Washington, the group will also be accepting an award for outstanding contributions made to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities community, as part of the White House Initiative on HBCU.
The Commodores' four day stay in the nation's capitol will culminate with a concert in front of the Ronald Reagan Federal Building, free to the public courtesy of the city, when the trio will perform their chart topping and award winning hits, from "Brick House" to "Nightshift."
Walter Orange said, "We are honored to be part of each and every one of these opportunities to show our appreciation and admiration for those who have lived and died to ensure freedom."