THE ORIGINS OF ARMED FORCES DAY
Prior to 1949, each of the branches of the military had its own special day. These were intended to draw public attention to the important issue of national defense and to acquaint the public with the activities of the various military branches. In addition, the day was used to stress the need for military preparedness which had not been very strong prior to entering earlier conflicts. 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, Marines Corp and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department--the Department of Defense.
In a speech announcing the formation of the day, President Truman "praised the work of the military services at home and across the seas" saying, "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 Feb. 27, 1950, Mr. 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, 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.
May all the members of our military know how deeply America values their sacrifices and diligence. Remember Armed Forces Day, this Saturday, May 17, 2003.
THOUGHTS FOR ARMED FORCES DAY
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"Our servicemen and women are serving throughout the world as guardians of peace--many of them away from their homes, their friends and their families. They are visible evidence of our determination to meet any threat to the peace with measured strength and high resolve. They are also evidence of a harsh but inescapable truth--that the survival of freedom requires great cost and commitment, and great personal sacrifice."
--John F. Kennedy
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