Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day honors all past and current members of the six branches of the United States military.
Armed Forces Day honors all past and current members of the six branches of the United States military.
Renee Harleston
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Armed Forces Day began with the creation of the Department of Defense. In 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act into law, creating the Department of Defense. The creation of the Department of Defense unified all branches of the military under a single body. The secretary of the department at the time, Louis Johnson, proposed Armed Forces Day in 1949. Prior to this proposal, there were separate Army, Navy and Air Force days that honored each individual branch. The proposed Armed Forces Day was a way to create one day honoring everyone who was part of the newly formed Department of Defense.
The first Armed Forces Day was held on Saturday, May 20, 1950 and was intended to educate the civilian public about the newly formed Department of Defense. The day was marked with open houses, parades and airshows. The government not only honored those who served in the various forces, but also showcased the technologically advanced weapons created in the wake of World War II.
In 1961, President John F. Kennedy declared Armed Forces Day a national holiday.
When it is observed
Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of May.
Who observes this holiday
Armed Forces Day differs from Veterans Day (which honors war veterans) and Memorial Day (which honors those who’ve died in war) because it honors everyone who serves or served in a branch of the U.S. military.
Traditions
Armed Forces Day is celebrated with parades and military displays. Much like the first Armed Forces Day, branches of the military may reach out to the civilian population with education on their jobs, duties and other aspects of military life. The United Service Organizations (USO), a longstanding non-profit dedicated to supporting active and retired military members, suggests volunteering on this day, specifically with a military-related charity.
What to say
“Happy Armed Forces Day” is a fine greeting. Unlike other military holidays, this day honors all military members, not just those who have passed. As such, it has a more festive atmosphere than commemorative or reflective holidays like Memorial Day.