Unity of Effort, an annual family-friendly community celebration that recognizes and honors military, law enforcement, first responders and security personnel, continued its quarter-century tradition on Saturday, Aug. 9, drawing crowds to the festival grounds in front of sponsor Security Services Northwest in Sequim.

The event featured aerial displays, K9 demonstrations, vehicle displays and more. Participants included the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office, King County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corp, Life Flight Network, Airlift NW, FBI, and Clallam County Fire District 3.

There was also food, kids activities and live music.

Unity of Effort was founded in 2000 by Joe D’Amico, president and CEO of Security Northwest, Inc., in recognition of how military and first responder personnel protect the American way of life.

Andrew Geffre gets a front row seat in a Chinook helicopter as his mother, Anna Geffre, looks on.

An MH-60T Jayhawk Coast Guard rescue helicopter arrives at the Unity of Effort community event.

A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter arrives at Unity of Effort.

Staff Sgt. Chris Hills with the Washington State National Guard watches with his wife Michelle as a Coast Guard helicopter comes in for a landing at the Aug. 9 Unity of Effort event celebrating and honoring the military and first responders.

Kanya Weinert attempts pull-ups, U.S. Marine Corps style, under the encouragement of Staff Sgt. Roscoe, her brother Zayden Weinert (dark shirt and cap) and friends Olivia Blank, right, and Enzo Blank.

Linda Doolittle’s parrot makes friends with Boeing retiree Walter Hyde at Saturday’s Unity of Effort community event.