A
A
A
Armed Forces Day is a day to celebrate the men and women who serve in the United States military. It is typically celebrated on the third Saturday of May every year. Activities may include parades, concerts, and speeches. Armed Forces Day aims to honor the men and women who have served in the military and remind civilians of their sacrifices on behalf of their country. Armed Forces Day also serves to promote patriotism and appreciation for the military.
History of Armed Forces Day
The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated on May 15, 1919. It was created as an unofficial holiday by Congress to honor servicemen and women who had served in World War I. The original date was chosen to coincide with Memorial Day, which was also an unofficial holiday created to honor servicemen and women who had died in the military. Armed Forces Day was officially proclaimed a national holiday by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941. The day also commemorated the founding of the United States Armed Forces in 1775.
Read More »
Today, Armed Forces Day is celebrated throughout the United States. It is also celebrated in other countries around the world, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. In addition to parades and concerts, activities may include visits from military personnel stationed overseas, giving of donations to military charities, and displaying patriotic symbols. Many businesses also offer discounts or freebies to military personnel on Armed Forces Day. The flag of the United States is typically flown at half-staff on Armed Forces Day in honor of all who have served in the military.
How it is Celebrated
Armed Forces Day has been celebrated in various forms since its inception, but it has largely remained the same over the years. The day is filled with activities that allow the public to learn more about the military and its members. There are usually parades and ceremonies held to honor those who have served and those currently serving. The activities also include displays of military equipment, opportunities to meet members of the armed forces, and military music performances. It is a day to show support for the military and appreciate the sacrifices made.
Armed Forces Day is also a time to remember the fallen soldiers and sailors who have died in service to their country. It is a day to come together as a community and appreciate all people who serve our country. President Donald Trump has issued a proclamation to mark the day. The proclamation states, “Armed Forces Day honors the patriots who have dedicated their lives to protecting our great nation. We are grateful for the brave men and women who serve in our armed forces and their families, and we pledge to continue to support them.” Finally, the public shows its support for the troops by flying the American flag.
Military ceremonies occur around the country, with local communities hosting parades and other events. The main parade in Washington, D.C., usually attracts tens of thousands of people. There are also smaller parades and observances held at military bases all over the United States. Some of the most famous military bases are Fort Hood in Texas, Fort Bragg in North Carolina, and Camp David in Maryland. Visitors can also visit museums that feature exhibits about military history. In 2017, the National Memorial Museum of the American Military Families opened in Arlington, Virginia, dedicated to commemorating all Americans who have served in the armed forces.
This Year’s Celebrations
This year’s Armed Forces Day celebration is set to take place in North Carolina and is also planned. Several events are planned for Armed Forces Day this year, including a parade and ceremony at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state and a flyover of Fort Bragg in North Carolina. Fort Bragg is also set to host a military appreciation day with a ceremonial ribbon cutting and flyover. The celebration in Washington state will have musical performances, food trucks, and games for the children. A veteran’s march is also scheduled to take place in Seattle. The celebrations in Washington state and North Carolina are set to last for several hours.
Armed Forces Day Themes
The themes of Armed Forces Day vary from year to year but often focus on the contributions of the military to society, the importance of service and sacrifice, and the ways that civilians can support the armed forces. In 2019, the theme was “A Day of Honor: Celebrating the Men and Women Who Serve.” This theme commemorated the 100th anniversary of World War I, the largest and most protracted war in American history. Other past themes have included “Our Military Families,” “The Power of Teamwork,” and “Celebrating Our Veterans.” Armed Forces Day is also a time to honor the troops who have died in service to their country and those currently serving. Each year, the Department of Defense releases a report that details the number of military personnel who have died in action or from other causes since the start of the armed forces.
Importance of the Armed Forces Celebration
Armed Forces Day is an important day for military families and friends worldwide. It is a day to remember those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom and security. Armed Forces Day also reminds us that military service is not a duty or career but rather an honor and privilege. It allows us to celebrate the freedoms that we enjoy as Americans. We owe everything we have in life to those who have served in the armed forces. We should all thank them for their service and commitment to our country. Thank you, military families and friends, for your support!
