Empire Day is a galaxy-wide celebration that marks the Emperor's rise to power and founding of the Galactic Empire. This year's event, beginning on June 24, also commemorates an amazing five years of Star Wars Galaxies with in-game events for everyone to support their faction and join in the celebration!

Honoring the Empire

Empire Day is celebrated throughout Imperial-controlled space to commemorate the creation of the Galactic Empire.

The actual "day" of this holiday is marked according to Imperial Center time, but celebrations can last days or weeks depending on culture and location.

Due to the vast and varied worlds controlled by the Empire, beings on many worlds celebrate in different ways. Some just wish to be near the Emperor himself, though they don't expect to see him. Others simply gather with friends and kin and have private celebrations or other contests, marking the day with festivities and fun.

This year loyal citizens of the Empire can choose to pay homage to an imposing statue of the Emperor in the city of Theed . This commanding figure rests near the steps of the royal palace and at its base a small army of stormtroopers stands at attention.

The Imperial Celebration Organizer, who can also be found in the shadow of the statue, offers Imperial-issued rations for sale to mark the occasion.

Order 66 Cookies increase movement and grant an experience bonus; these crunchy cookies have a delightful aftertaste. Imperials also enjoy the Gracious Government Mix during Empire Day celebrations. These delicious chocolates increase damage and reduce action cost.

The Organizer is highly trained to sniff out Rebels in disguise and does not sell his wares to any Rebellion sympathizers. These treats will disappear fifty minutes after purchase, so consume them quickly.

Darth Vader and a legion of Dark Troopers are also descending on Theed during the celebration. Citizens of the Empire can catch a glimpse of the Dark Lord once an hour as he addresses the citizens congregating at the steps.

Each hour, Darth Vader recognizes one lucky Imperial citizen for his or her contribution to the Empire. Pay your respects if you are called upon and the Empire will recognize your deeds in front of the gathered crowd!

Supporting the Rebellion

Those who oppose the Empire mark the day with protests, counter-propaganda efforts and, sometimes, outright attacks on Imperial facilities. Fighting the massive propaganda machine of the Empire is a daunting task, but each gain is a step closer to success.

Each year the Rebellion works hard to fight the tide of Imperial public relations in the hopes of turning loyal Imperial citizens to their side of the Galactic Civil War. Showing the gap between the propaganda and the Rebellion's vision of the truth is often a good way to accomplish that goal.

This year the Rebellion is countering the Empire Day celebrations by making a bold statement by celebrating Remembrance Day, once known as Republic Day, in Coronet. A fountain has been built in the north end of the city to honor Jedi Master Yoda, who served valiantly during the Clone Wars but has not been seen since the dissolution of the Jedi Council.

The Rebel Event Organizer also offers unique items for sale to support the Rebels.

Favorites of the Force are a Rebel treat created by secretive confectioners; these sour candies reduce action cost and increase damage. The Organizer also offers the energy drink Death Star Destruction, sure to boost the movement speed and experience gain of any tired Rebel sympathizers.

Any Imperials who attempt to purchase these items are turned away. These treats will disappear fifty minutes after purchase, so consume them quickly.

Princess Leia is taking a calculated risk each hour, visiting Coronet to attempt to spread the word about the Empire's propaganda and misdeeds. The princess is also taking the opportunity to commemorate Remembrance Day by calling out the heroic deeds of Rebel supporters in the crowd. Pay your respects properly and you will be recognized for your support of the Rebellion.

Cautious of being caught by the Imperials, she can only visit for a short period of time before Han Solo and Chewbacca whisk her back into hiding.

Neutral Civilians

Those who do not support either faction in the Galactic Civil War still mark Empire Day because of the great changes the formation of the Empire caused throughout the galaxy -- changes that they use to their own benefit.

Neutral citizens of the galaxy can take advantage of the celebration by visiting either the Imperial or Rebel event organizer and statue to receive the commemorative items without restraint.

Other Anniversary Gifts

Citizens across the galaxy, whether they support the Rebellion, Empire, or neither also receive two gifts when they log in during the anniversary celebration! Use the radial menu on the Emperor's Statue or Yoda's Fountain to receive two anniversary gifts.

The Novaless Soni-Optics Goggles Mark V are one-of-a-kind. Originally created to assist with aiming long range rifles, the goggles were not widely manufactured due to problems that prevented any real combat use. These goggles are considered a novelty item as a result and are showed off for looks.

Characters over 10 days old who log in during the events and visits the statue or fountain also receives an in-game replica of The Empire Strikes Back movie poster.

The gifts don't stop there! Be sure to vote in the Create a Painting contest poll beginning on June 23 to choose the best Rebel and Imperial painting created by your fellow players. These two paintings are also anniversary gifts that everyone will receive, so make your vote count!