By Ryan Duey

The Junction City Military Affairs Council will host an Armed Forces Day celebration on Saturday, May 18th, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Downtown Junction City. Highlights include ceremonies and presentations from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., featuring several guest speakers, including Sergeant Major of the Army (Retired) Michael Grinston.

The event will honor First Infantry Division Soldiers, hold a future Swear-In of Soldiers ceremony, and a donation of over 100,000 protein servings from Smithfield Foods.

This free event offers fun for all ages, with bounce houses, foam cannons, dunk tanks, food trucks, and a Fort Riley vehicle display. Isreal Waddell, Director of the Military Affairs Council, expressed excitement for the community gathering, stating, “My slogan is better together.” The celebration will also coincide with the Junction City Main Street Market.