Fun activities, exhibits planned for open house                Chris Rasmussen  Leader Staff

The grassy hill near Hilton Field will be transformed into a Vietnam firebase for the 50th Annual Armed Forces Day celebration and Thunder at Fort Jackson Air Show. Organized by the Celebrate Freedom Foundation the display will depict the life of a Soldier serving in the Vietnam War. “In the past we have concentrated on World War II living history displays,” said Jack Lovelady, Celebrate Freedom Foundation president. “But because so many of (the veterans) are getting up in age, it is getting more and more difficult for them to travel to these types of events. 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. Between 28,000 and 32,000 spectators are expected to attend the events, which begin May 16 with military displays at Hilton Field for local schools and a golf tournament at the Fort Jackson Golf Club. Armed Forces Day activities continue at 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 formation flying and aerobatics. 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. “The general public had a positive and enjoyable experience, became more knowledgeable about Fort Jackson’s mission and had the opportunity to honor all armed forces personnel,” said Brig. Gen. James H. Schwitters, Fort Jackson commanding general. President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our 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 to 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. Please see the special Armed Forces Day insert included in this week’s and next week’s issue of the Leader, for more information.