Community invited to Armed Forces Day celebration at Joint Base Lewis-McChord Saturday, May 19 Published May 16, 2012 Joint Base Lewis-McChord Public Affairs JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Joint Base Lewis-McChord will open its gates to Lewis Main to the public for the base's annual Armed Forces Day celebration May 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The celebration and installation open house offers members of the greater Puget Sound community an opportunity to join JBLM servicemembers in celebrating America's history, our military heritage, and our continued commitment to serving our community. Gates open to the general public at 10 a.m. Volksmarch, Carnival Rides, Military History, Vehicle Displays, Live Entertainment The 2012 Armed Forces Day schedule begins early, with the Armed Forces Day Volksmarch. Registration and walk begins at 8 a.m. at Carey Theater, next to Cowan Stadium at JBLM Lewis Main. There will be 5K and 10K routes for the Volksmarch. Participants can walk for points or just for fun. Anyone may walk for free; minimal fees will be charged for stamps and patches. Gates open to the general public at 10 a.m., which is when Cowan and Memorial Stadiums on JBLM Lewis-Main will open--this is where most of the attractions will be located. Attractions include: carnival rides, military history displays and reenactments, displays of military vehicles and equipment, live music and entertainment, a climbing wall, and craft and food vendors. For more information about Armed Forces Day events, visit: http://www.jblmmwr.com/armedforcesday/ Access and Parking Information Guests without an installation access pass should enter JBLM Lewis Main via the DuPont Gate: Take Interstate 5 to Exit 119. Northbound travelers should stay to the right as they exit the highway, southbound travelers should turn left as they exit the off-ramp and proceed eastbound across the overpass to enter the installation. · All vehicles entering the installation are subject to inspection · Drivers must present a valid license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance · Passengers age 16 and older must present a government-issued photo ID Civilian vehicles that are selected for inspection will be directed to the inspection area. Vehicles cleared for entry to the base will be directed to a parking area for shuttle bus transport to and from the event site. Visitors may not bring weapons, alcohol, fireworks, or pets onto the base. Military ID-card holders may not bring any of these items to the event (medical alert and medical assistance animals are permitted).