    
“...Word to the Nation:
Guard zealously your right
to serve in the Armed Forces,
for without them, there will
be no other rights to guard.”
President John F. Kennedy, 1962
Armed Forces Day History
Armed Forces Day honors all branches of the armed forces of the United States. It is celebrated on the third Saturday of May with military exercises on land, at sea, and in the air. Military installations are usually open to the public on Armed Forces Day. President Harry S. Truman proclaimed Armed Forces Day, and it was first celebrated in May 1950. It replaced three separate celebrations for the Air Force, Army, and Navy. James V. Forrestal, the first secretary of defense, helped unite the armed services under the Department of Defense after World War II ended in 1945. from World Book
There are several reasons for Armed Forces Day
to show the preparedness of our armed forces;
to educate civilians both in the types
and duties of our armed forces;
to increase public understanding of the
role of the military in a democratic society;
to showcase military equipment to
the population they are protecting;
to provide a day in which to honor and
acknowledge the people serving in the
Armed Forces of the United States.
It is often celebrated with parades and military
exercises on land and on sea.
Military installations are usually open to the
public on Armed Forces Day
(although 9/11 has changed that in many places).
Things You can do for Armed Forces Day
Write or call an active or retired member of
the military to thank them for their service.
You have no idea how much this is appreciated!
If you live in a military community or know
people who are serving in the reserves,
consider doing a kind deed for them:
mow someone’s lawn, cook a meal,
or in some other way bless them.
(This is particularly helpful for the many,
many spouses who are on the home front
alone while their spouse is serving elsewhere.)
Don’t neglect American history studies!
Patriotism should be based
on knowledge, not emotions.
Follow current events on a large world wall
map and in your atlases. Teach your children by
example that responsible citizens stay informed.
You can find a exceptional world wall map here.
For more information on Armed Forces Day,
including what events may be available in your
state, go here.
Let us all remember the members of our military
and appreciate their sacrifices and courage.
“It is fitting and proper that we devote
one day each year to paying special
tribute to those whose constancy and
courage constitute one of the bulwarks
guarding the freedom of this nation
and the peace of the free world.”
President Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1953
A few links to enjoy!
Armed Forces Day
Annie's Armed Forces Day Page
Armed Forces Day History
Armed Forces Day
U.S. Armed Forces
History Of The Armed Forces Day
“We cannot, in this day of exploding
world competition on all fronts, be
content to maintain the status quo.
We must also realize that the
preservation of our freedom
in the years ahead may require
greater sacrifices from us than
those made by Americans who
have walked before us.”
General Nathan F. Twining, 1960
Former Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
|
|