JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. (May 19, 2012) Sounds of guns are regular background noises here at Joint Base Lewis-McChord but at May 19's Armed Forces Day celebration, the guns weren't typical firearms. The Revolutionary and Civil war rifles were just for show, but packed plenty of authenticity.
Many of the estimated 23,000 people in attendance met re-enactors from wars fought by ancient Romans, along with real Vietnam veterans and current service members.
"It gives kids a chance to see what their (parents) do and the history of the military," Todd Miller, a Camp Murray National Guardsman, said.
Miller brought his son, Logan, 8, to Armed Forces Day to see the military equipment and enjoy the sunny weather. For the re-enactors, the day was about sharing their knowledge and paying tribute to those who serve in the military.
"I like the camaraderie both with the re-enactors and current active-duty members; they are the ones in the fire right now," Phil Murray, of the Revolutionary War 2nd Connecticut Regiment of Militia, said.
Murray shared his knowledge of the Revolutionary War and taught people how to shoot his Pennsylvania Long Rifle, a nearly five-foot, 18th century sniper rifle. He said most of the questions for him were about firearms and life with the militia.
Other re-enactors, like Bill Gruner of the Castra Roma Legion VI Cohort II, enjoy building and teaching people about the weapons and armor used during the Roman wars. He visits Europe regularly to see the artifacts firsthand.
"I try to make them as authentically as I can," Gruner said.
He gave a quick lesson on sword fighting to Jimmy Jimenez, 13, and River Herzog, 14. The teenagers carefully swung their swords at each other and blocked blows with large round shields so as not to break the wooden replicas.
"The amount of work they put in is a lot and really hard," Herzog said.
Jimenez comes every year with his father, Robert, who is a veteran himself and self described "military fanatico nut." It was Herzog's first visit to JBLM and he was looking forward to learning more about the various weapons.
"I'm excited to see what's going on here," he said.
The Tuskegee Airmen organization of Washington State was on hand to share their stories. Ed Drummond, an original Tuskegee Airmen, completed his flight school at the end of WWII. Drummond helped raise awareness for an annual scholarship by speaking to those interested in studying aeronautics. With recent movies like "Red Tails" increasing name recognition and highlighting the history of the first African-American pilots, he said his work is getting easier.
"It was hard to convince people we existed (before the movies)," Drummond said. "We're proud to be able to talk about the Tuskegee Airmen and the accomplishments they made and gates they opened to blacks."
Other highlights of the day included a Civil War demonstration, a replica of an 1841 cannon and the opportunity to meet with Soldiers from JBLM with Stryker vehicles and a howitzer.
Carnival rides and inflatable castles were on site for kids of all ages. FMWR also set up a rock wall for those feeling more adventurous.
For Sam Ridgeway, 10, his favorite ride was the hang glider, while his sister Cate, 7, was excited to get some pink cotton candy. Their mom, Teresa, was surprised at how uncrowded the event seemed.
"I've stayed away (the last few years) because I thought it'd be too crazy," she said. "We came out today to enjoy the nice weather and rock climbing."
No matter the reason for coming out, everyone agreed that Armed Forces Day was about supporting and celebrating the troops, past and present.
"This is our way of displaying our appreciation of what the armed forces do in terms of freedom," Murray, a veteran himself, said. "My thanks to the military veterans, current and former, and those who support them."
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