SALUTE! Armed Forces Day is Today, Thank Our Military Members for Their Patriotic Service!

observed annually on the third Saturday of May

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Armed for Force Day is today. In 1949, President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country.

On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under the Department of Defense.

Armed Forces Day is observed 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 and Armed Forces Day is also part of Armed Forces Week, which begins on the second Saturday of May.

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.

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.

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