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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