The public is invited to the State Capitol in Topeka Thursday, March 24 to celebrate Kansas Military Appreciation Day.

The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with informational displays from various military branches and support organizations inside the Capitol rotunda and static displays of military equipment on the south Capitol apron, including military Humvees, an armored support vehicle, and a radar.

“The people of Kansas and the nation owe a great debt of gratitude to the men and women in uniform who have stepped forward to serve and protect us,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I have personally seen the great work they do when responding to emergencies within the state to preserve life and property.”

Gov. Kelly will meet with commanders from the Kansas National Guard. Fort Leavenworth, Fort Riley, McConnell Air Force Base and the U.S. Coast Guard Pay Center in Topeka at 9:30 a.m. She will then sign two proclamations at approximately 9:50 a.m. designating March 24 as Armed Forces Appreciation Day in Kansas and Vietnam War Veterans Day. Kelly will also greet members of the Governor’s Military Council, leaders of veteran support organizations and recipients of the State of Kansas Vietnam Veteran’s Medallion.