Armed Forces Day to feature air show, field encampments          Chris Rasmussen      Leader Staff

Red, white and blue will stream across the sky over Hilton Field in May during the Thunder at Fort Jackson air show and 50th annual Armed Forces Day celebration. Between 28,000 and 32,000 spectators are expected to attend the events, which begin May 16 with military displays at Hilton Field and a golf tournament at the Fort Jackson Golf Club. Details of the tournament are forthcoming. “The purpose of hosting Armed Forces Day and Thunder at Fort Jackson is two-fold ­­–– first to recognize all those who are part of the Armed Forces on the installation, and at the same time recognize those off the installation who have contributed to the Armed Forces,” said Lt. Col. Gerald Henderson, G-3 installation operations. Armed Forces Day activities continue 9 a.m., May 17 with an action-filled schedule of events and activities at Hilton Field. Activities include military equipment displays, tours of Fort Jackson facilities, children’s entertainment and games, drill competitions, 282nd Army “Victory” Band concert and a formal Joint-Service Opening Ceremony at 11:30 a.m. The ceremony will feature a mass swearing in of Soldiers and a presentation of the U.S. flag by the Green Beret Parachute Team. The Celebrate Freedom Foundation Air Show runs 12:45-3 p.m. at Hilton Field and will feature numerous military aircraft flyovers, precision formations and aerobatics. “We wanted to change the lineup from last year to give it a different look so folks would have a reason to come out this year and see something different,” said Jack Lovelady, foundation president. “This is going to be a bigger and more exciting event.” The foundation will also host an array of exhibits and military living history field encampments that depict the American Revolution, Civil War, Buffalo Soldiers, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. This year’s focus is Vietnam. “We will never forget our World War II veterans, but we are finding out that they are getting up in age and it is harder for them to travel,” Lovelady said. “So we are expanding our Vietnam exhibit and putting the spotlight on them. “The event is to honor the service members of all branches of service who are defending our nation in the Global War on Terrorism and their families, to educate the public as to the importance of the military and to support recruiting, and to connect the community with their Fort Jackson,” he said. Admission is free, and there are no charges for parking or seating. Last year, an estimated 15,000 spectators attended the events, which included the inaugural air show. President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank military members for their patriotic service in support of our country. On Aug. 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the armed forces into one department — the Department of Defense. Each of the military leagues and orders were asked to drop sponsorship of its specific service day and celebrate the newly announced Armed Forces Day.  The Army, Navy and Air Force leagues adopted the newly formed day. The Marine Corps League declined to drop support for Marine Corps Day but supports Armed Forces Day, too. Chris.Rasmussen@us.army.mil