HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) – People from across North Alabama went to Redstone Arsenal on Saturday night to celebrate the 251st birthday of the U.S. Army.

The Redstone Gateway hosted live music, food, games, and fireworks to mark the occasion. The gateway is one of the few parts of the Arsenal that is open to the public.

The event gave kids a chance to see real military equipment up close, including helicopters and Humvees.

“They love to see the Chinook especially, which is right behind me,” said Stephanie Stone, Marketing and Special Events Manager for MWR. “A lot of kids are amazed at all the Army vehicles that we have on display here. It’s hard to say if they’re more interested in the inflatables or the Army assets.”

Congress approved the Continental Army on June 14, 1775, a full year before the Declaration of Independence.

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Majay Thompson is down to four schools.

Thompson is a 2027 wide receiver out of Crest High School in Shelby, North Carolina. Alabama football is in the process of wrapping up another group of official visits and the explosive wide receiver is a part of this group. The wideout is now considering Alabama, Florida State, Georgia and Wake Forest. All signs point to a commitment announcement coming soon.

The Crimson Tide made Thompson a priority before getting him on campus over the weekend for an official visit.

At 6-foot and 186 pounds, Thompson reports the ability to run a 4.4 forty, and his speed is evident in some of his top plays from the 2025 football season. He flashes the ability to take the top off of defense by getting behind the secondary, along with his ability to turn a short pass into a big gain. The new Alabama targets sees his route-running, strong hands, ability to create separation, blocking, speed, and body control as strengths.

Thompson finished his junior season with 53 receptions and 865 receiving yards. He compiled 1,115 all-purpose yards and 14 total touchdowns.

Watch Majay Thompson Highlights Below:

Justin Smith is the Managing Editor and Lead Writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine with over 10 years of writing experience & expertise. Smith has consistently delivered high quality, extensively researched information on the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide football team that fans can trust. Smith is official credentialed media with the University of Alabama under Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He is also the Director of Recruiting for Touchdown Enterprises, specializing in scouting and analyzing high school recruits around the nation, specifically focusing on recruits within the state of Alabama.