Context:
- Armed Forces Day on the third Saturday in May pays tribute to the military personnel serving in the United States Armed Forces.
- The celebration takes place each year during Armed Forces Week.
About the day:
- Armed Forces Day is a special holiday for people all over the world to come together and thank the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.
- The day honors all people currently serving in the U.S. armed forces.
- This includes the men and women who have served or are serving in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard, including the National Guard and Reserve components.
- First conceived by President Harry S. Truman, the holiday was established in 1949.
- The creation of a single day celebration for all five branches of the United States military made sense due to its recent unification under the Department of Defense.
- The first official Armed Forces Day took place on May 20, 1950, and was themed “Teamed for Defense.”
- In honor of the special day, B-36 Bombers flew over state capitals, a march was led by more than 10,000 veterans and troops in Washington, D.C., and over 33,000 people participated in a New York City parade.
- In 1961, John F. Kennedy declared Armed Forces Day a national holiday.
- It’s celebrated on the third Saturday of every May and is exhibited by exercises, parades, and receptions that highlight and honor our amazing military and all of its strength.
Future Officers 