Celebrate Armed Forces Day At JBLM

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA — Military and civilian families alike are invited to celebrate Armed Forces Day 2019 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord with a full day of free family friendly fun.

Music, magic, and mock military maneuvers will take over Cowan and Memorial stadiums from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 18. Admission to the stadiums, parking, and most entertainment and athletic events are free for visitors. Carnival rides as well as food and merchandise will be available for purchase from various vendors.

According to JBLM officials, Armed Forces Day will offer a wide variety of different events and activities for visitors to experience.

From exploring immobile military aircraft and ground vehicle displays to actually witnessing mock battles, visitors of all ages will get to see the equipment used by U.S. soldiers throughout history.

Historians from the Lewis Army Museum will be on base to share their knowledge while local reenactment groups will provide visual representations of military encampments and what life was like for soldiers. Participating groups include Army Group 1944, Friends of Kilroy, Northwest Historians, Fort Steilacoom, Tacoma Scots, WA Civil War Association, and 4th U.S. Infantry Regiment Company C.

Across the event area, visitors will be treated to a variety of roving magicians, jugglers, and balloon twisters, as well as artists and a stilt walker.

At 12 p.m., the Army vs. Navy rugby match will begin at Cowan Stadium, which JBLM officials said the Army has won 17 times over the past 20 years.

For information on entering JBLM and parking at the event, visit JBLM.Armymwr.com.

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