GARDINER — “Unity of Effort,” a combination summer picnic and patriotic celebration “dedicated to those that protect our way of life,” will be held at Security Services Northwest’s Fort Discovery compound on Old Gardiner Road from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
It is open to the public — with a special invitation to law enforcement/first responders and their families and members of the military and their families — but an RSVP is requested by Wednesday.
Krista Gunstone will open with the singing of the national anthem at 1 p.m., followed by the Army’s 56th Army Band playing patriotic music from 1:05 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Guest speaker will be state Attorney General Rob McKenna, GOP candidate for governor.
Guests will include Airlift NW, U.S. Customs, Jefferson County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit, Jefferson County Fire District Nos. 3 and 5, Port Angeles Police K-9 Unit, Clallam County Fire District No. 3, Navy, Marine Corps Security Forces Bangor, the Coast Guard, Border Patrol, Army, Washington Army National Guard 66th TAC, FLIR systems, Mobilisa, Loomis, Advanced Interactive Systems, Safe Boats International and Washington’s Most Wanted.
There is no cost to law enforcement/first responders and military families.
A $10 donation per adult for members of the general public is requested. It will go to the Special Operation Warrior Foundation.
Children under the age of 18 are free.
The event is limited to the first 1,500 guests.
Parking is limited at Fort Discovery. There will be free shuttle service to and from Fort Discovery from the south casino parking lot at nearby 7 Cedars Casino beginning at 11:30 a.m. Saturday.
To reserve a spot and for specific information on parking and shuttle vans, phone Security Services Northwest at 877-876-4750 or email info@ssnwhq.com by Wednesday.