All members of the community are invited to the National Security Agency's 5th Annual Armed Forces and National Police Celebration at the National Cryptologic Museum on Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. In a spirit to honor all men and women serving in military uniform and members of law enforcement, this year's theme is "Defending Our Nation Here and Abroad."
The celebration will include indoor and outdoor activities for kids and grown-ups. U.S. service members will serve hot dogs and drinks, and free SNO Cones will be available to kids who complete activities, such as a scavenger hunt or other challenges. The NSA Police will be on hand to demonstrate equipment and gear they use for daily and special duties. Visitors can also meet members of the K-9 Division, always a popular opportunity for kids and adults.
Some of the activities in this year's celebration will include:
- Witnessing the breath-taking precision of the U.S. Navy Silent Drill Team (Soloist).
- Climbing in some of the latest military tactical vehicles.
- Talking to ham radio users around the country, with the help of local ham radio operators.
- Watching NSA Police demonstrations of the K-9 unit, climbing in the SWAT armored vehicle, all-terrain vehicles and trying on a hazmat suit.
- Making "television broadcasts" on Armed Forces Radio Television.
- Brushing up on knot tying skills with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets.
- Learning about cryptology in museum spot tours and learning about rarely seen artifacts.
- Taking photos with life-size photo cutouts of military uniforms from different eras throughout U.S. history.
- Earning free SNO Cones (while supplies last) for completing challenges (children only, please).
- Listen to the National Cryptologic Museum's curator's presentation on key historical events.
- Hear veterans' perspectives about their service and how they used their cryptologic skills to protect the nation.
Updates about the Armed Forces and National Police Celebration are available at www.Facebook.com/NationalCryptologicMuseum.
The National Cryptologic Museum is located on Colony Seven Road off Rt. 32, exit 10A, adjacent to Fort George G. Meade, Md. For more information, visit the National Cryptologic Museum page on NSA.gov or call (301) 688-5849.