Armed Forces Day is May 19, 2018: Honor Those Who Serve and Uphold a Longstanding Tradition
“Armed Forces Day, above all, honors the dedicated individuals who wear the uniforms of their country. Each serviceman, wherever he may be, whatever his task, contributes directly and importantly to the defense of the nation. The task of each one is the task of all the Armed Forces: to protect the freedoms which underlie the greatness of America.” — General Earle G. Wheeler
Few civilians truly realize the magnitude of the sacrifices America’s armed forces make in the name of maintaining freedom and protecting the public. In truth, the amount of time spent away from home and family alone is more than most of us could bear. Though we should show appreciation for these efforts each and every day, annual observance has officially been set for the third Saturday of May. This year, it falls on May 19.
Armed Forces Day Gets Its Start
Decades ago, each branch of the United States armed forces received separate special tribute throughout the year. In 1949, President Harry S. Truman decided to combine those occasions into a single day on which the American people would celebrate all those serving their country.
Merging those annual tributes held a couple significant meanings. For one, it signified the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, National Guard and Navy coming together as one under the Department of Defense. On the other end of the spectrum, it unified the nation in collectively celebrating the people tasked with protecting us all. Fittingly enough, the inaugural Armed Forces Day held on May 20, 1950 carried the theme “Teamed for Defense”.
Washington D.C. saw more than 10,000 current troops and veterans march in unison that day while 33,000 people rallied in New York City for an honorary parade. People gathered at state capitals across the country watched as B-36 Bombers soared across the skies. American forces in Berlin even paraded at Tempelhof Airfield and elicited a warm response from German onlookers.
In addition to those newsworthy displays, cities across America observed the occasion in their own unique ways. Though they may not have been on quite the same scale as previously mentioned events, the pride and unity involved was certainly no less substantial.
Beneath the Surface
While Armed Forces Day is known nationwide, and in a number of other countries, as a time to honor our military, it also holds a deeper purpose. This event is set aside to educate civilians on a wide range of commonly misunderstood elements of the military world.
Members of the service often make appearances at schools to talk about various aspects of the armed forces. Certain military installations welcome visitors for tours or hold exercises and informational exchanges for anyone interested in learning more about what goes on inside.
Aside from providing insight into the armed forces’ purpose and general protocol, quite a few facilities aim to educate the rising generation on potential military career opportunities. Countless young people believe physically fighting for freedom is the only life the military has to offer, but few ideas could be further from the truth.
Today’s armed forces offer a wide range of career prospects, many of which fall in line with top choices in the modern civilian world. Healthcare, psychology, culinary services, arts and communication, information technology and business administration are only a few of the possibilities currently available through the armed forces.
General Nathan F. Twining of the United States Air Force once pointed out, “Close understanding between members of our Armed Forces and members of civilian communities is most important to preserve the high level of national readiness necessary for safeguarding the free world.” In the spirit of this statement, education of any type relevant to the military is a major component of not only Armed Forces Day, but life as we know it.
How Do We Celebrate Armed Forces Day?
Armed Forces Day began with parades, exhibits and similar honorary public displays; a number of communities continue to follow this lead. Restaurants, retail stores and other establishments extend discounts and free offers to those in uniform. Additional ways of showing gratitude include:
- Wearing red, white and blue
- Waving the American flag or displaying it on your vehicle
- Organizing walk-a-thons or motorcycle rides to raise funds for military-oriented charities
- Visiting a nearby VA nursing home to talk with veterans and thank them for their service
- Writing letters to service men and women abroad
- Visiting a local military memorial site to pay respects to service members who’ve passed
- Creating care packages for family members and friends serving elsewhere (Pack it with both essentials and little treats, like deodorant, lip balm, trail mix, canned tuna, beef jerky, ear buds, books and such.)
If you don’t personally know someone in the military but still want to express appreciation, consider donating items or funds to an organization like Support Our Troops. Sending boxes of similar items is recommended as opposed to assorted objects because donations are divided up among packages for individual troops.
At present, $25 Visa and Mastercard gift cards are listed as most-needed items among those serving overseas. These help provide internet access for service men and women so they can keep in touch with their families or enjoy entertainment during downtime. Further details and shipping information are available on the organization’s website.
Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, be sure to salute men and women in uniform or shake their hands and thank them for their service. These small but meaningful gestures go a long way. If you have customers or employees who’ve served, think about giving them a token of appreciation as well.
The Bottom Line
Most of us can’t even begin to count the number of times we’ve heard, and said, “God Bless America”. He already has in innumerable ways. Many of them stem from an expansive team of brave, selfless men and women who stand ready and willing to give up their time and freedom so we can enjoy ours.
America’s military forces should be continually recognized for all they contribute to our nation, but Armed Forces Day officially falls on May 19 this year. Don’t let it go unobserved.
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