Armed Forces Day in the United
States
When Is Armed Forces Day 2019?
May 18, 2019
Americans celebrate Armed
Forces Day annually on the third Saturday of May. It is a day to pay tribute to
men and women who serve the United States’ armed forces. Armed Forces Day is
also part of Armed Forces Week, which begins on the second Saturday of May.
Is Armed Forces Day a Public
Holiday?
Armed Forces Day is not a public
holiday. It falls on Saturday, May 18, 2019 and most businesses follow regular
Saturday opening hours in the United States.
What Do People Do?
Many events across the United
States take place on Armed Forces Day to honor Americans in uniform who served
their country in times of war and peace. Those who are honored on this day
include people who serve the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard.
National Guard and Reserve units may celebrate Armed Forces Day/Week over any
period in May because of their unique training schedules.
Events and activities
may include:
Multi-service military displays
in areas open for the public.
Various educational activities
that teach children about the armed forces
“Support the Troops” themed
motorcycle rides.
Large parades and other local
celebrations.
Certain types of music are also
played at Armed Forces Day events, including at memorials and at cemeteries, as
a way to respect those in the armed forces who died for their country. For
example, buglers have played a bugle call, known simply as Taps, on Armed
Forces Day in recent years. Taps is usually sounded by the United States
military at events such as flag ceremonies, memorial services and funerals.
Public Life
Traffic and parking may be
affected in areas where large-scale events are held for Armed Forces Day.
Background
On August 31, 1949, Louis
Johnson, who was the United States’ Secretary of Defense, announced the
creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force
Days. The event stemmed from the armed forces’ unification under one department
– the Department of Defense. The Army, Navy and Air Force leagues adopted the
newly formed day. The Marine Corps League declined to drop support for Marine
Corps Day but supports Armed Forces Day too. The first Armed Forces Day was
celebrated on Saturday, May 20, 1950. The theme for that day was “Teamed for
Defense”, which expressed the unification of all military forces under one
government department. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the day was
designed to expand public understanding of what type of job was performed and
the role of the military in civilian life. Armed Forces Day was a day for
the military to show "state-of-the-art" equipment to Americans. It
was also a day to honor and acknowledge Americans in the armed forces. Parades,
open houses, receptions and air shows were held at the inaugural Armed Forces
Day. Armed Forces Day is still
celebrated nationwide today and is part of Armed Forces Week.
Symbols
Posters and other material used
to promote Armed Forces Day often show images of Americans in the armed
services dressed in their uniforms. Some posters show a collage of images,
including images of those in the armed forces with their families or friends,
as well as the United States Flag.
Some themes that were used for
Armed Forces Day in the past included:
Appreciation of a Nation
Dedication and Devotion
Freedom Through Unity
Liberty
Patriotism
Power for Peace
Prepared to Meet the Challenge
Security
Special Opportunity for Thanks
Teamed for Defense
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