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Honoring military heritage at JBLM

Armed Forces Day celebrates you

Servicemembers marching in formation in May 1951, during one of Tacoma’s first Armed Forces Day parades. Photo credit: Tacoma Public Library

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"The heritage of freedom must be guarded as carefully in peace as it was in war."

Spoken by the late Gen. Omar Bradley, the first chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, these words have come to symbolize our nation's dedication to honoring our military's sacrifices. Gen. Bradley was speaking about Armed Forces Day, our country's tribute to military strength and unification.

Armed Forces Day was first celebrated in 1950 after U.S. military branches were collected under the umbrella of the Department of Defense. Former Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson combined separate Army, Navy and Air Force days into a single "Armed Forces Day" holiday, which is celebrated on the third Saturday in May. Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) has been hosting its own Armed Forces Day celebrations for 29 years.

"At the JBLM Armed Forces Day, we showcase both the history of JBLM and its modern assets and capabilities," said Colin Brooks, the community activities manager and spokesman for JBLM's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program. "JBLM has a great history in our nation as a key military installation. This year marks the centennial of JBLM, which puts a greater significance for this 29th year of Armed Forces Day."

According to Brooks, past celebrations included displays of Stryker vehicles, artillery equipment and weapons systems. Army vs. Navy sporting matches, live music, historical reenactments and live music have also been a part of past festivities.

The Lewis Army Museum, a steward of local military history at JBLM, will provide historical context to this year's Armed Forces Day celebration.

"We are pleased to be participating in the event this year, as it is not something the museum has taken part in, in the past," said Heidi Pierson, the curator of Lewis Army Museum. "The museum booth will be located near the entrance to the stadium and will have replica displays, try-on uniforms, and other family friendly activities."

The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated in cities throughout the U.S. In Washington, D.C., more than 10,000 military troops, veterans and cadets marched across the capital, while more than 250 military planes flew over New York City in an airshow honoring the military.

At JBLM, the celebration has taken on local significance since it was first celebrated 29 years ago.

"This is our way of displaying our appreciation of what the Armed Forces do in terms of freedom, and what our soldiers and airmen here on JBLM do every day," Brooks remarked.

As this year marks the 100th anniversary of JBLM as an operating post, a special emphasis on military heritage in the greater JBLM area surrounds the upcoming festivities. An extensive digital collection of photographs featuring historic local Armed Forces Day celebrations can be accessed through JBLM's MWR website, courtesy of the Tacoma Public Library. In addition, the Lewis Army Museum will reopen later this summer after extensive renovations. The reopening will be held Aug. 31 in conjunction with the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Centennial Celebration.

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