Armed Forces Day in the United States
Many 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?: Even
though Armed Forces Day falls on Saturday, May 16, 2020, it is a working day.
Most businesses follow regular 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.
Themes: 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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