Do You Observe Armed Forces Day?

Photo by Igor Ferreira on Unsplash

Perhaps not as well known as Veteran’s Day, our country has observed Armed Forces Day since 1950 when President Truman led the effort to consolidate the then three separate celebrations for Army, Navy, and Air Force. President Kennedy declared it a national holiday in 1961. Similar celebrations are held throughout the world in most nations with a military presence.

An excerpt posted on the MilitaryBenefits.info web site, from an article written in the New York Post on May 17, 1952, articulates the significance of military service and recognition on this day, “It is our most earnest hope that those who are in positions of peril, that those who have made exceptional sacrifices, yes, and those who are afflicted with plain drudgery and boredom, may somehow know that we hold them in exceptional esteem. Perhaps if we are a little more conscious of our debt of honored affection they may be a little more aware of how much we think of them.”

Men and women who serve in all branches of the military, Space Force, National Guard and Reserve, past and present, are honored each year on the second Saturday in May, the last day of Armed Forces Week. During the week there are remembrances honoring military members killed in action, prisoners of war and those who remain missing in action.

Customarily, Armed Forces Day would be observed with parades, open houses at military bases and facilities, air shows, and commemorative flag raisings or retreat ceremonies. The longest running being an impressive parade held in Bremerton, Washington. Like everything else this year, celebrations are a bit more subdued.

Especially today but truly no matter when, if you know someone involved in any facet of military service, past or present, take just a moment to appreciate the value of their contribution, the price they paid or the years they devoted to keep our country, our society and our families safe and secure. If you express your gratitude to just one military member for the privileged life we live, you’ve thanked them all.