SATURDAY May 20, 2023
Armed Forces Day
For You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.
Psalm 18:39
Armed Forces Day is usually celebrated the third Saturday in May. On August 31, 1949, Defense Secretary Louis Johnson announced the establishment of an Armed Forces Day, to replace individual celebrations of Army, Navy and Air Force Days. Having a single-day celebration unified the different armed forces under one agency––the Department of Defense.
Armed Forces Day was first observed on May 20, 1950. In celebration, over 33,000 people attended a parade in New York. A march was led by more than 10,000 veterans and troops in Washington D.C., and, exciting the crowds, B-36 Bombers flew over state capitals, honoring all those who served in our armed forces.
In a speech announcing the establishment of the Day, President Truman "praised the work of the military services at home and across the seas." He said, "It is vital to the security of the nation and to the establishment of a desirable peace." In an excerpt from the Presidential Proclamation of February 27, 1950, Truman stated:
"Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, marks the first combined demonstration by America's defense team of its progress, under the National Security Act, toward the goal of readiness for any eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense."
The first Armed Forces Day was used to educate society and expand public knowledge of the military and the role they play in the community. It not only honored the military, but enabled them to show to the public our military capabilities used to protect our great country.
It is fitting and proper that we devote one day each year to paying special tribute to those whose constancy and courage constitute one of the bulwarks guarding the freedom of this nation and the peace of the free world.
~President Dwight Eisenhower~
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