A Sincere, Heartfelt Thank You to Our Armed Forces

The first Armed Forces Day was announced on August 31, 1949, by the Secretary of Defense, Louis Johnson. This announcement was followed up with a Presidential proclamation on February 20, 1950. The first celebration was on May 20, 1950, so this year marks the 69th anniversary of the celebration.Before 1950, each of the separate branches of the military had a separate holiday recognizing that branch’s contribution. People celebrated Army Day, Navy Day, and Air Force Day. The creation of this new celebration replaced all the previous holidays.

Formerly, each branch of the military sponsored the celebration of its own day, but now the Department of Defense sponsors the newer, broader event.

Another goal of the holiday was (and is) to educate the civilian population about what the members of the military do for the country. In many communities, this includes having members of the military explain what it is they do on a daily basis, and it also gives the military a chance to show off some of their new state-of-the-art equipment in public.

Historically, this is a holiday about appreciation, recognition, awareness, and education.

In the United States, Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May. It falls near the end of Armed Forces Week, which begins on the second Saturday of May and ends on the third Sunday of May. First observed on 20 May 1950, the day was created on 31 August 1949, to honor Americans serving in the five U.S. military branches – the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard.

As you’re out and about today, let our military members know how much you appreciate their service, dedication and sacrifice to this great nation and each and every American.  Shake their hand, give them a hug and tell them Thank You – they are the reason we enjoy the freedoms we have today.