Fort McCoy will host its annual Armed Forces Day Open House Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine.
The event is open to the public. Admission and parking are free.
This year's open house will feature a mix of time-tested favorites and new activities.
Fort McCoy is marking an important milestone in 2009 - its 100th anniversary. According to Fort McCoy Public Affairs Officer Linda Fournier, the installation has contributed to the defense preparedness of the nation throughout its "Century of Service to America."
"The open house offers a wonderful opportunity for people to learn more about the role of today's armed forces and specifically the rich history of Fort McCoy, and have fun in the process," she said. "With the events and activities we have planned, there should be something that appeals to people of all ages."
Fournier said the buildings and park-like setting of Fort McCoy's Commemorative Area will serve as the hub for all activities.
The History Center, Commemorative Area Buildings and Equipment Park will be open throughout the day. Items on display at the History Center include artifacts and photographs depicting the installation's history from 1909 to the present day.
"The displays within the History Center all have been redone within the last year, so even those who have visited us before will find new things to see," Fournier said.
The five World War II-era commemorative buildings help tell Fort McCoy's unique story through the use of period furnishings and displays. These facilities, which have not undergone significant renovation and are representative of the types of buildings found in the cantonment area when it was constructed in 1942, help to depict Soldier life during the 1940s.
The Equipment Park is an outdoor static display of more than 50 pieces of historic and present-day military equipment, ranging from helicopters and howitzers to trucks and trailers.
Highlights include guided bus tours of the installation, personalized dog tags, camouflage face-painting, an interactive marksmanship gallery, an obstacle course for children, and historical military re-enactors. Many informational exhibits and displays of modern military equipment and clothing also will be on site.
Food and refreshments will be sold at a concession stand throughout the day.
"I would encourage all visitors to make the Open House Information Area in building 905 their first stop of the day," Fournier said.
"We will have staff there to provide an overview of what is available on the grounds and answer questions," she said. "We always look forward to telling the Fort McCoy story. We're hoping that many people will choose to make the most of this opportunity for an inexpensive and educational family outing."
For more information, call 608-388-2407.
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