By Anthony Gorges
JC Post
The Military Affairs Council with the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce will host their 2nd annual Armed Forces Day Celebration this Saturday, May 17. The event will be from 9:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. at the Northeast corner of 9th and Washington in Downtown Junction City.
The Celebration will feature live music, a Fort Riley Military Vehicle Display, Military and veteran-affiliated organizations, food trucks, and activities for kids. Col. Jerry Nunziato, Fort Riley’s Garrison Commander, will also deliver remarks.
Rob Wilson is the director of the Military Affairs Council for the Chamber of Commerce and discussed the history of Armed Forces Day. “Essentially it was established in 1949 by the Secretary of Defense and it replaced celebrating individual branches and brought them all together as a unity to show that support,” Wilson said. Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of May every year nationwide. “They had the goals of celebrating service members, promoting unity, public awareness, and community support.”
The celebration is a family-friendly event, and it is free to attend. “We want all families associated with service members to come out and enjoy themselves,” Rob Wilson said. “There will be things for kids to do, such as bounce houses, and getting their face painted which is all free to them. Essentially, we want to bring our community of Fort Riley into the community of Junction City so we can celebrate this together.”
Schedule of events
9:00 a.m. - Even begins
10:15 a.m. - Opening remarks – Col. Jerry Nunziato – Ft. Riley Garrison Commander
10:30 a.m. - Noon – Live music – The 1ID Rock Band
1:00 – 3:00 p.m. - Live music – M31
4:00 p.m. - Event ends