Vicksburg, MS - The City of Vicksburg has officially designated June as U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Month, honoring the legacy and contributions of the organization to the local community, the region and the nation. USACE will celebrate its 250th birthday on June 16 only two days shy of the U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday on June 14th.
During Monday’s regular meeting of the Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA), Mayor George Flaggs Jr. signed a proclamation recognizing the month-long observance. Representatives from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), the USACE Mississippi Valley Division and the USACE Vicksburg District were in attendance.
As a gesture of appreciation, BOMA also presented the USACE representatives with an official key to the City of Vicksburg.
“Proclaiming June as U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Month in Vicksburg is a powerful reminder of the Corps’ 250 years of dedicated service to our nation,” Flaggs said. “Vicksburg is uniquely home to three powerhouse USACE organizations — the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), the Mississippi Valley Division (MVD) and the Vicksburg District (MVK). These institutions not only shape our community’s infrastructure, but also lead groundbreaking research and critical operations that extend far beyond our city limits. We are proud to celebrate their remarkable legacy and the men and women who continue to make an impact both locally and globally.”
Founded in 1775 when Gen. George Washington appointed the first chief engineer, USACE has played a critical role in shaping the nation’s infrastructure, protecting communities and managing natural resources, USACE officials said. The three USACE components in Vicksburg employ more than 2,450 people locally and conduct both civil and military missions with global impact.
Headquartered in Vicksburg, ERDC is the research and development arm of USACE and consists of seven laboratories located in four states. The center is a leader in scientific research and innovation, advancing technologies in military engineering, environmental science, cold regions expertise and geospatial solutions. Its work supports national defense, disaster response and civil infrastructure development across the world.
Also headquartered in Vicksburg, the Mississippi Valley Division oversees six USACE districts along the Mississippi River from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. The division leads flood control, navigation and ecosystem restoration efforts along one of the world’s most vital waterways.
A part of the Mississippi Valley Division, the Vicksburg District manages civil works and regulatory programs across Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas. Its work in levee safety, flood risk management and navigation infrastructure are vital to protecting lives, property and commerce throughout the region, USACE officials said.
“The proclamation emphasizes that the presence of these three organizations not only supports Vicksburg’s economy, but also positions the city as a global leader in engineering innovation,” USACE said. “As June begins, residents and visitors are encouraged to learn more about the mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and to recognize those who serve with dedication, knowledge and commitment.”