What is Armed Forces Day?

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I would be lying if I said that I celebrated Armed Forces Day each year. Because the fact is, this particular day of remembrance isn’t one that I am very familiar with. I honor the fallen with Memorial Day. I remember those have served with Veterans Day, but, I really don’t know much about Armed Forces Day.

What is Armed Forces Day- Corpus Christi Moms Blog

So, this opportunity to share with you, became an opportunity to educated myself as well.  So, without further ado….

Louis Johnson, United States Secretary of Defense, created Armed Forces Day in August 1949, in an attempt to combine observation of all military branches into one day of remembrance.  After which, the first Armed Forces Day was celebrated on May 20, 1950.  More specifically, this day was created as a way to inform and educate the public as to the jobs and roles of the military in civilian life.

Armed Forces Day, celebrated on the 3rd Saturday in May, finishes out Armed Forces Week, which actually begins on the 2nd Saturday in May.  During this time, we honor those men and women who are currently serving, or have served, in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard.  The National Guard and Reserve Units may choose to celebrate Armed Forces Day/Week over any time in May because of the uniqueness of their training schedules.

There are a lot of ways to honor our armed forces including, but certainly not limited to some of the following:

  • Special military displays
  • Open houses
  • Receptions
  • Air shows
  • Events that educate our children on the importance of the roles of those who serve
  • Parades
  • Various other local celebrations

What about some simpler ways to show your appreciation?

  • Pay for their meal at a restaurant or drive-thru
  • Mail off a care package (Support Our Troops)
  • Give a simple handshake with words of appreciation

I have quite a few family members who are, or have been, in the military.  My dad, brother, many cousins, grandfather, etc. I mention more about them here in my post on Memorial Day Memories.  I am so appreciative for their desire and willingness to serve our country.  It really is hard to find the right words to express the gratitude I feel.  The truth is, they sacrificed so much in order to defend this country, and any collection of words doesn’t seem to be enough.  Without those willing to serve, where would this country be?

I can only lightly touch on the sacrifices all the men and women in the armed forces make while serving this great nation.  I will not pretend I know or understand what those sacrifices are because the reality is, I really don’t know.  My spouse doesn’t leave me for months or a year at a time.  I’m not knee deep in the sacrifice.  At least not anymore.  

You see.  My dad is a Vietnam veteran.  He was off serving this country when I was a baby.  I was only one week old when he left and thirteen months old when he came home. My mom shared a story, just the other day matter-of-fact, regarding a conversation she had with my daddy when he came home from Vietnam.  She said she complained to him that I had been a miserable teether and had been sick with the measles and chicken pox all the while he was gone.  His response to her was, “I would have loved to have been here to help you.”  That, my folks, is sacrifice.  Parents, giving up precious time with their children, in order to serve.

Personally, I will not let another Armed Forces Day go by without remembering all those who stand in bravery to keep our country safe.  What about you and your family?  What are some ways you choose to honor those in uniform?

Additional information and resources available at:
Armed Forces Day in the United States
Wikipedia
Department of Defense, Armed Forces Day

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Pam
Pam is a city-girl gone country thanks to her best friend and husband of thirteen years, Johnny. Together, the couple has one son, Caleb {2005.} Pam has four adult children who have blessed her with seven precious grandchildren and the title of Meme’. As you can imagine, she has run the gamut in parenting! Pam has a barn full of chickens, rabbits, and donkeys. Some of her favorites are quality time with Jesus, learning to play golf to keep up with her husband and son, writing when time allows, and, of course, taking care of life on their small ranch. Except for snakes, scorpions, and spiders... her 'cup runneth over.'