Army Base Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Tonight

The ribbon-cutting and dedication of the new Armed Forces Reserve Center will occur this evening. All members of the public are invited to attend.

The Center is being named in honor of Maj. Gen. Maurice Rose.

December 10th, 2011, Saturday, 6:00 p.m.
Location: Intersection of Smith St. and Industrial Park Rd.
(adjacent and west of I-91, between exits 20 & 21)
Start: 6:00 pm (suggest arriving at 5:30) - indoors
End: about 7:15
Then reception with refreshments

Major General Maurice Rose was a remarkable man.
He was born in Middletown on November 26, 1899, the son and grandson of Rabbis. He enlisted in the Army in 1917 and fought in the infantry in France. In World War II, Rose was given command of the 3rd Armored Division, and led it fearlessly, often from the front lines of combat. He was killed in action 3 weeks before the end of the war.

Major General Maurice Rose was a remarkable soldier. His Division was nicknamed "The Spearhead", Rose led the 3rd Armored on an advance of 100 miles in one day, a record for mechanized warfare. He was the highest ranking American to be killed by enemy fire in World War II. At the time, he was the highest ranking Jew in the Army.

Finally, he must have been the highest ranking soldier in the last century who called our city his home. It is a fitting tribute to his accomplishments and his memory that the Armed Forces Reserve Center is named in his honor.

The Third Armord Division takes great pride in their former commander, and the naming of the base in our city in his honor. Their web page has more information and photos.