Armed Forces Day: All You Need to Know
All active-duty personnel of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Space Force are recognized on Armed Forces Day. Also, it honors and remembers individuals who have served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force Reserve, and the Army and Air National Guard Reserves. On Armed Forces Day, honorable veterans from all services are also recognized.
Armed Forces Day honors all U.S. military veterans who have served honorably, despite the fact that the country celebrates Veterans Day, which was initially created to commemorate the end of World War I. Veterans Day and Armed Forces Day should not be confused with Memorial Day, which honors those who lost their lives while serving the country in the armed forces.
The Origins of Veterans Day
August 31st, 1949 saw the creation of Armed Forces Day. It was instituted by Louis Johnson, the Secretary of Defense, to take the place of distinct Army, Navy, and Air Force remembrance days. All military branches were brought under the command of the newly founded U.S. Department of Defense, and Armed Forces Day was subsequently established. The National Security Act, which was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman in 1947, also established the U.S. Air Force, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the National Security Council.
President Truman “praised the work of the military services at home and abroad” in a speech announcing the foundation of the day and stated that “it is crucial to the security of the nation and to the establishment of a desirable peace.” Mr. Truman said the following in an excerpt from the Presidential Proclamation on February 27, 1950:
“Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, marks the first joint exhibition by America’s defense team of its advancement towards the aim of being ready for every eventuality under the National Security Act. The combined forces of our land, sea, and air defense are participating in their maiden parade of readiness.
One may argue that the inaugural Armed Forces Day was truly a show of force, letting the world see with their own eyes what the United States possessed in the way of military capability, given the mounting post-World War II tensions. It was a means to demonstrate that the United States had a professional military on guard in addition to having liberated the world during World War II.
On May 20, 1950, the inaugural Armed Forces Day was observed. To replace the Army Day Parade that was held in Washington, D.C. during the first week of April, the celebration was held during the third week of May.
“Teamed for Defense” served as the theme of the first Armed Forces Day. It was chosen as a way to symbolize the fusion of all military forces into a single government agency. Although this was the theme for the day, there were several other purposes for holding Armed Forces Day.
It was a particular kind of educational program aimed at educating people about the armed forces. Its purpose was to increase public awareness of the different types of work done and the contribution that the military makes to society as a whole. It was a day for the military to display cutting-edge gear to the civilians they were defending. Also, it was a day set aside to recognize and commemorate the members of the US Military Forces.
Parades, open houses, banquets, and air shows marked the first Armed Forces Day. 10,000 military members from all branches, cadets, and veterans marched past the president and his party in Washington, D.C.
At Templehof Airport near Berlin, 1,000 US soldiers marched in front of the German population. Armed Forces Day was launched in New York City by approximately 33,000 participants under the aerial protection of 250 military aircraft of different varieties.
In the harbors around the country were the legendary mothballed “battlewagons” of World War II, the Missouri, the New Jersey, the North Carolina, and the Iowa, all open for public viewing. As tracking radar was shown on the ground, precision flying crews ruled the air. The American people came together to celebrate the armed forces all around the nation.
The custom of celebrating Armed Forces Day on the third Saturday of May began when President John F. Kennedy, a Purple Heart recipient, veteran of the U.S. Navy, and World War II, declared the third Saturday of May to be a federal holiday on March 18, 1961.
National Military Appreciation Month and Armed Forces Day
Sen. John McCain, a Vietnam War veteran and graduate of the United States Naval Academy, proposed legislation in 1999 designating May as National Military Appreciation Month. McCain, a former prisoner of war, felt it was crucial to acknowledge the sacrifices made by those who serve and their families because he thought American culture was losing interest in the military.
There are numerous holidays in May that honor various aspects of the military community. For instance, May 1 is Loyalty Day, a less well-known occasion set aside for people to pledge their allegiance to the United States. Also, it was developed in opposition to Communist Workers Day celebrations.
National Military Appreciation Month includes VE Day, which commemorates the Allies’ triumph in Europe during World War Two, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, and, of course, Armed Forces Day. The second Saturday in May is when Armed Forces Week starts, and it ends on the third Sunday. Memorial Day, which marks the end of the month, is a sad day for remembering those who have died while serving their country.
What to Do on Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day can be observed in different ways. Flying the American flag is the simplest solution. Joining an Armed Forces Day parade is another good choice. Finally, locate a nearby military unit in your area and reach out to them with some treats. In many communities, there are several Reserve and National Guard units. Giving to military organizations is a wonderful way to honor our military personnel. The important thing is to keep in mind that many military men are modest, yet they would be appreciative of any gesture of support.
