Armed Forces Day

Hello Everyone,

Each year Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May as the culmination of Armed Forces Week. Armed Forces day was created in 1949 as a result of the consolidation of the military services under one governing organization, the Department of Defense. Armed Forces Day was intended to replace the separate Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Days, however many still observe these individual days.

President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish Armed Forces Day for citizens to come together to collectively thank service members for their dedicated service in support of the U.S.

Like Memorial Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day, the first Armed Forces Day was celebrated by parades, receptions and air shows. In Washington D.C., 10,000 troops of all branches of the military, cadets, and veterans marched pass the President and his party.

Also celebrated in the U.S. in May is National Military Appreciation month. The U.S. Congress designated May as the month for citizens to take the time to learn about the history of the U.S. military and recognize, honor and learn about current American service members.

All of the military branches have played an important role in American history. The Army, Marine Corps and the Navy date back to 1775, just before the U.S. Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Along with Armed Forces Day, National Military Appreciation Month also includes Loyalty Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day and Memorial Day.

Besides parades, receptions and air shows, there are many ways to celebrate Americas soldiers during the many military holidays in May. Some ways to celebrate and honor service members on any of these special recognition days include visiting veterans in the hospital, flying an American flag, send a thank you letter to an active-duty deployed service member and make a donation to a charity benefiting active-duty service members.

While Armed Forces Day is often overshadowed by other military-related holidays like Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Independence Day, it should not be ignored or forgotten by the citizens of the U.S. Our military service men and women are dedicated to preserving our freedom all-year long and we should take every opportunity to honor them.

Thank you E for serving and protecting our country. I am so honored to be your wife and I love you with all of my heart.


To all the men and women who allow us to live our amazing American lives. We honor your service and sacrifice, on Armed Forces Day and every day.