(Atlantic, Iowa) –  Representatives of ARISE (Atlantic Island Rock Island Society), a non-profit which owns the Armory (American Legion Memorial Building) and the Rock Island Depot, said Monday (today, Aug. 11), an open house will be held at the Armory this Saturday, Aug, 16th, from 10-a.m. until 3-p.m.  During the event, visitors to the Armory can become with acquainted with the many spaces and resources. There will be games, displays and food.

Get up close to a drone and see their possibilities. The Cass County Drone Team has a display and Cass County Deputy Sheriff Kyle Quist will be on hand to answer questions. ARISE invites you to “Meet some folks who honor the past. Sons of the Union Soldiers of the Civil War (SUVCW). They continue to be active by supporting education and patriotism.”

Atlantic High School alums are invited to stir memories by looking at past Javelins and Needles. Other school memorabilia are displayed in the Atlantic History Center. Visit the flag room which has been used by Bob Boots for many year. He has handled over 16,000 flags deposited in the flag box out in front of the Armory. Some were repaired and others to be retired in a respectful way. A demonstration for flag retirement will take place at 2:30-p.m.

The military museum, military library and a big, bright kitchen are other stops along the way, Display cases in Memorial Hall show uniforms and other donated materials from the families of local veterans. Games like corn hole, orbeez target practice and others will be outdoors. Free face-painting will be indoors from 12 to 2:30. Sara Selders promises patriotic designs in addition to many other choices.

Kiwanis Food Truck will be serving hot dogs and snacks 11 to 2. Buy a treat at Louis’s Shaved Ice anytime. The purpose of the Open House is to honor the past and lead into the future. ARISE is sponsoring the Open House to encourage folks to know about this community resource.