What is Armed Forces Day?
Armed Forces Day is a special day which is celebrated on the third Saturday of May every year in United States of America. The purpose of Armed Forces Day is honoring men and women who served (or still serving) for United States’ armed forces. Armed Forces theme actually takes up a whole week. Armed Forces Day is a part of Armed Forces Week which starts on the second Saturday of May.
Armed Forces Day had announced by Louis Johnson, who was the United States’ Secretary of Defense in 1949, August 31. The purpose of this decision is separating Armed Forces Day from Navy and Air Force themed special observances.
The first Armed Forces Day which was aimed honoring military forces was celebrated on May 20, 1950. From that day to this, Armed Forces Day is being celebrated by people from United States of America and it is a nationwide observance which is a part of Armed Forces Week.
Armed Forces Day has special themes in some years. In the past years there were a lot of theme which had been used in Armed Forces Day such as Appreciation of a Nation, Dedication and Devotion, Freedom Through Unity, Liberty, Prepared to Meet the Challenge, Special Opportunity for Thanks, Teamed for Defense,…
A lot of ceremonies, parades and events arrange as part of Armed Forces Day. Some events and educational activities are held for informing children about armed forces. Also, some commemorative ceremonies are held for remembering people who died in the serve of armed forces.
When is Armed Forces Day?
Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of May as a part of Armed Forces Week. Armed Forces Day in 2018 has already passed. It was on Saturday, May 19. The next Armed Forces Day is is on Saturday, May 18, 2019.
See also Memorial Day and Presidents Day.
Dates for Armed Forces Day from 2019 to 2022
- Armed Forces Day 2020 - May 16, 2020 - Saturday
- Armed Forces Day 2021 - May 15, 2021 - Saturday
- Armed Forces Day 2022 - May 21, 2022 - Saturday