While military members and their spouses choose a military career, their children do not. But, those same kids have to make sacrifices for their country just like mom and dad. They leave friends, change schools, go through life with a parent deployed ... sometimes in scary places. Military children know all too well that they must "soldier on" so that dad and/or mom can do their duty for their country.

That is why Grand Canyon University and the Ranger and NW Airlifter newspapers are teaming up to throw a thank you party Saturday, Aug. 21 for the boys and girls of active and reserve military families here in the Puget Sound area. Hosted by Capital Christian Center in Lacey, the free day includes tons of free activities and services.

BJ's Barber will be on site to give free kids cuts, hair designs, color streaks and more. Balloon Clowns will be twisting up free fun along with many other kid-friendly activities.

Families will also have the opportunity to watch three different 30-minute Polynesian shows put on by the Asia Pacific Cultural Center. The Center will also host a booth with cultural information and a craft activities.

Kona Ice will also make an appearance offering shaved ice with a fun truck stock full of delicious flavors. 

"A number of local businesses are joining the day, too, bringing fun giveaways and prizes for local military kids," said Ken Swarner, publisher of The Ranger and NW Airlifter. "We all are passionate about showing local military kids that the community understands their hardships - we want to say thank you by giving them some interesting things to do at no charge whatsoever."

Most of this event will be outside including the Asia Pacific Cultural Center shows. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and/or blankets to view the stage in comfort.

To sign up your children, please RSVP at https://bit.ly/3fIhtL3.

Salute to Military Kids Event, open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday Aug. 21, Capital Christian Center, 4431 Marin Way E, Lacey.