Armed Forces Day
This inaugural observance was celebrated with parades, receptions, open houses and air shows. Approximately 10,000 American troops marched past the President in Washington D.C., while 33,000 people in New York City commemorated the occasion “under an air cover of 250 military planes of all types.” B-36 bombers flew over every U.S. state capital. Famous World War II warships were in harbors across the country for the public to see and precision flying teams filled the skies. The American people came together across the country to honor members of the Armed Forces.
Each year, Armed Forces Day has a new theme. The very first theme was "Teamed for Defense." Over the years, other themes have included:
• Appreciation of a Nation
• Freedom Through Unity
• Liberty
• Dedication and Devotion
• Power for Peace
• Deter if Possible, Fight if Necessary
• Guardians of Peace
• Patriotism
Armed Forces Day is celebrated in American communities and on military bases throughout the world with parades, picnics, festivals and parties. Sea, air, and land military exercises are held on Armed Forces Day to recognize service members and display their state-of-the-art equipment.
As we give thanks and show gratitude, we pray that God will keep all service members safe from harm as they serve to protect our nation. God bless America and God bless our military.
Armed Forces Day is a day which is celebrated on the 3rd Saturday in May. The purpose of this holiday is to honor the men and women who serve the armed forces of the United States which include: the Coast Guard, the Air Force, the Navy, the Army and the Marine Corps, as well as members of the Department of Defense.
President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country. On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days. The single day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under the Department of Defense.
In an excerpt from the Presidential Proclamation of Feb. 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."
I Am
(Author Unknown)
I am a small and precious child, my dad's been sent to fight.
The only place I'll see his face, is in my dreams at night.
He will be gone too many days for my young mind to keep track.
I may be sad, but I am proud. My daddy's got your back.
I am a caring mother. My son has gone to war.
My mind is filled with worries that I have never known before.
Everyday I try to keep my thoughts from turning black.
I may be scared, but I am proud. My son has got your back.
I am a strong and loving wife, with a husband soon to go.
There are times I'm terrified in a way most never know.
I bite my lip, and force a smile as I watch my husband pack.
My heart may break, but I am proud. My husband has got your back.
I am a soldier, serving proudly, standing tall.
I fight for freedom, yours and mine by answering this call.
I do my job while knowing,the thanks it sometimes lacks.
Say a prayer that I'll come home and remember who's got your back.
“The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil constitution, are worth defending at all hazards; and it is our duty to defend them against all attacks.” ~Samuel Adams
“He teaches my hands to make war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. Blessed be my LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.” ~ Psalm 18:34 and 144:1