Jacksonville, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Four WWII tanks will roar to life on Wednesday, July 10, in a Salute the Troops event at the Morgan County Fair. The event will honor veterans and current service members and raise money through donations for the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight.

Fairgoers are invited to inspect the historic machines and interact with the crews operating them. After the meet-and-greet, the WW2 Armor tanks will execute maneuvers on the track.

Veterans and service members planning to attend are urged to register at the Morgan County Fair website. The Salute the Troops event starts at 6 p.m. in the pavilion and will honor veterans of all wars. A 97-year-old WWII veteran is already scheduled to attend, according to Gary Hadden, president of the Morgan County Fair board of directors.

Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry F. Costello II is an Army veteran and will be the keynote speaker.

Hadden says the event will include a Presentation of the Colors and will be a heartfelt tribute to the servicemen who fought for our freedom.

The evening’s highlight will feature the tanks firing rounds and showcasing their power. Loud explosions will be heard as the gunpowder bursts from the barrels. “It’s a neat learning and awe-inspiring experience,” said Hadden.

The fairgrounds are located at 110 Westgate Avenue in Jacksonville. Admission is $5 with no additional fee required for the Salute the Troops event. Children six years and under are free. Parking is free.

More information is available at themorgancountyfair.com and on Facebook.