Honor Heroes on Armed Forces Day
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Sponsor: The Veterans Site
Show service members and veterans your appreciation for their unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms and way of life.
On the third Saturday of May, Americans across the country come together to celebrate Armed Forces Day, a national observance honoring the men and women who serve in the United States military across all six branches: the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force1.
Armed Forces Day is a day to reflect on the sacrifices made by these brave individuals and to show appreciation for their unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms and way of life. From parades to public events, communities across the country come together on this day to show their support for those who have answered the call to serve.
Armed Forces Day was established in 1949, two years after the signing of the National Security Act by President Harry S. Truman2. Defense Secretary Louis Johnson announced Armed Forces Day on Aug. 31, 19493. The act unified the four branches of the military under a single executive authority, the Secretary of Defense, leading to the creation of the National Military Establishment4. The establishment of Armed Forces Day followed the unification of the forces under the National Security Act.
The first Armed Forces Day was observed on May 20, 1950, after President Truman issued Presidential Proclamation 28735. President Truman called it the "first formal procession of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense."
In 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed Presidential Proclamation 3399, officially declaring Armed Forces Day a national holiday on every third Saturday in May6. Since then, the day has been celebrated annually, providing an opportunity for the nation to show its appreciation for the military's service to the country.
Armed Forces Day is an essential day of national observance that acknowledges the contributions and sacrifices made by the members of the armed forces. The day provides an opportunity for Americans to express their gratitude for the service of the men and women in uniform who have dedicated themselves to protecting the country's freedom and security.
This day is also a reminder of the challenges faced by the military and their families, from the risks and dangers of combat to the difficulties of being away from loved ones for extended periods. Service members often bear the burden of long deployments, frequent relocations, and the emotional toll of separation.
Armed Forces Day is a time for individuals and communities to reach out to service members, veterans, and their families and express their gratitude for their service and sacrifice. Many businesses and organizations offer discounts and special promotions to military members and their families on Armed Forces Day.
But there is more that we can do to honor and support those who serve. We can pledge to take action to honor veterans and service members not just on Armed Forces Day, but every day.
Take the Armed Forces Day Pledge and show your support!
- U.S. Government Publishing Office (18 May 2022), "Armed Forces Day."
- History (24 July 2020), "President Truman signs the National Security Act."
- Military.com (2023), "Armed Forces Day."
- Office of the Director of National Intelligence (26 July 1947), "Ref Book - 1947 National Security Act."
- President Harry S. Truman, The American Presidency Project (27 February 1950), "Proclamation 2873—Armed Forces Day, 1950."
- President John F. Kennedy, U.S. Government Publishing Office (18 March 1961), "Presidential Proclamation 3399."
The Pledge:
The Armed Forces Day Pledge
As a proud citizen of the United States of America, I acknowledge the importance of the Armed Forces Day and pledge to observe this day by taking the following actions:
- Fly the American Flag: On Armed Forces Day, I will fly the American flag outside my home or business as a show of support and gratitude for the brave men and women who serve in our military.
- Attend a Parade: I will attend an Armed Forces Day parade or other military-themed event in my community to show support for the military and to honor those who serve.
- Volunteer at a VA Hospital: I will volunteer at a local Veterans Affairs hospital to show my appreciation for our veterans and their sacrifice.
- Thank a Service Member: I will take the time to personally thank a service member for their service and sacrifice.
- Learn About Military History: I will take time to learn about our military's history and the sacrifices made by those who have served.
- Support Military Families: I will offer support to military families in my community, whether it be through a kind gesture or volunteering my time to help them in any way possible.
- Advocate for Veterans' Benefits: I will advocate for veterans' benefits and ensure that our elected officials prioritize funding for the needs of our veterans.
- Support Military Hiring Initiatives: I will support military hiring initiatives by encouraging local businesses to hire veterans and by seeking out businesses that prioritize hiring veterans.
- Participate in a Service Project: Participate in a service project that benefits veterans or the military community, such as volunteering at a veteran's cemetery or organizing a care package drive.
- Send a Care Pack: I will purchase a care pack on behalf of a homeless veteran and their beloved pet, letting them know they have not been forgotten by the country they served.
Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for Americans to show appreciation for the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving our country. It is a day to reflect on the sacrifices made by these individuals and their families, and to acknowledge the challenges they face in their service to our nation. By taking the Armed Forces Day Pledge, we can all commit to supporting and honoring our military, veterans, and their families, not just on this day, but every day of the year.
In taking this pledge, I commit to honoring our military, veterans, and their families, and to support them in any way that I can.
Pledged by,
