An organization that is working to build an armed forces museum will host a day of celebration for the men and women who serve in the nation’s armed forces.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 16, the third annual Armed Forces Heritage Museum Armed Forces Day will take over Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm at 2691 Monmouth Road, Jobstown, Burlington County.
Armed Forces Day will feature military dog demonstrations, re-enactors and displays about the Civil War, World War II and Vietnam, military vehicles and a Junior ROTC drill team demonstration.
Michael Wysong, who is a member of the Township Committee in Plumsted and president of the Armed Forces Heritage Museum (AFHM), said Armed Forces Day is a good way for the public to “celebrate America’s spirit.”
“It is important that we take time each year and set aside a special day to honor and recognize the military men and women of our armed forces,” Wysong said.
Guests will enjoy live music, a farm-tofarm car cruise, free Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and hayrides. There will be face painting, an animal petting zoo, balloon sculptures and a workshop presented by Home Depot, among other activities.
The day will feature a helicopter landing, and recognition and a medal presentation ceremony for veterans.
General admission will be $5. Free admission will be provided to military members and veterans with valid identification.
For several years, the AFHM has been working to construct what it calls a “world class” museum on the perimeter of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in south central New Jersey that would be accessible to the public.
According to the organization’s website, the purpose of the museum is to provide a home for the heritage and history of the joint base, from the beginnings of Fort Dix in 1917 to the present day.
Wysong said the AFHM has been working with federal officials to obtain a land use request for the 25 acres that are needed for the museum. The request is eventually expected to make its way to the Secretary of the Air Force for final approval.
In the meantime, Wysong said, the AFHM has been working on several projects to preserve the joint base’s history, including the “Living History Project,” which is a compilation of interviews with veterans and military members; the “Virtual Education Project,” which is an online resource showcasing historical military artifacts; and a mobile museum.