ARMED FORCES DAY - May 15, 2010
In May of 1962, on Armed Forces Day, President John F. Kennedy gave this 'Word To The Nation': "Guard zealously (the) right to serve in the Armed Forces, for without them, there will be no other rights to guard."
Each year we in America set aside the third Saturday in May to honor the Armed Forces of our country. With great gratitude we remember the sacrifices given by the men and women who serve and who have served this great nation. Their total commitment to freedoms, their deep dedication to patriotism, their loyalty and courage in the face of all danger in order that they might preserve the American way of life. We the people of the United States gather to recognize, thank, and salute these brave souls who so gallantly have given so much to sustain 'our rights'!
It was President Harry S. Truman that first forged through to create a unified day on which the citizens of our nation would be able to honor our United States Military in such a way. Until 1949 there had been multiple celebrations stemming from individual recognition days within our individual military branches (i.e. Army Day, Air Force Day, etc.) However, when the branches of the military became unified under the newly created Department of Defense, it seemed fitting to some to also unify the celebrations. On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced 'Armed Forces Day' to replace the other separate Days. It was requested that the military leagues and orders for the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard drop sponsorship of their specific branch Days and join in support of the unified day of recognition. The Army, Navy, and Air Force leagues did adopt the newly declared day of recognition. The Marine Corps League, on the other hand, although agreeing to support Armed Forced Day, clearly declined dropping their support of Marine Corps Day.
Today, although the Coast Guard has become part of the Department of Homeland Security (2003) and although each branch of service opts to also recognize and celebrate their own specific recognition Day, all branches of the military observe and support Armed Forces Day. This Day (the third Saturday of May) and Armed Forces Week (which begins on the second Saturday of May and ends on the third Sunday of May) are annual celebrations. Due to the nature of unique training schedules, although they observe the traditional dates for Armed Forces Day and Armed Forces Week, Reserve Units and the National Guard may hold the actual celebrations of such during any period in May.
In 1963, President Dwight D. Eisenhower stated: "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."
The very first Armed Forces Day, which was celebrated on Saturday, May 20, 1950, was themed 'Teamed for Defense'. Not only was it a day to show honor and respect to our Armed Forces, but it was also a day to learn more about them, more about their new relationship with one another within one government department, and to view the military equipment they use to protect our country. President Truman said in his Presidential Proclamation in that year: ".....the Armed Forces, as a unified team, are currently performing, at home and across the seas, tasks vital to the security of the nation and to the establishment of a durable peace."
It was stated by our country's leadership that: "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, towards 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 readiness of our unified forces was demonstrated to our civilian population through displays, literature, lectures, and other means of education and information.
The day was also celebrated across our States by military and civilians alike with all types of gala gatherings, receptions, air shows, exhibits, open houses, and parades. Within just the parade in Washington, DC itself over 10,000 military personnel from all branches marched in recognition of this day. The branches of our Armed Forces were unified, as were the people of our country in honoring and celebrating their service.
In 1967, General Earle G. Wheeler (former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff) said: "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."
In 1972, The Honorable Melvin Laird (former Secretary of Defense) stated: "At home and abroad, military men and women are showing purpose and dedication in defending American ideas. They are performing in our country's best traditions under circumstances both difficult and complex. Thanks to their determined spirit of patriotism and professionalism, our country has a powerful and unified defense team, employing its forces in the constant quest for peace and freedom."
~ Rev. Lin
