Armed Forces Day Fast Facts
CNN Editorial Research
Here’s a look at Armed Forces Day, a holiday observed in some areas of the United States to honor all branches of the armed forces.
Facts
May 21, 2022 – Armed Forces Day.
Is celebrated each year on the third Saturday in May.
Other Facts
Each year there is a theme. The theme of the first Armed Services Day was “Teamed for Defense.”
It is celebrated with military exercises on land, sea and in the air to honor members of the US military and to show off their state-of-the-art equipment to the civilian population it protects.
Military installations are generally open on that day as it is not a federal holiday.
The United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates have also consolidated all their country’s armed forces into one department and celebrate a similar holiday.
Timeline
July 26, 1947 – President Harry S. Truman signs the National Security Act into law, unifying “four branches of the military under a single executive authority, the Secretary of Defense.” The decision to unify the different services under one Department leads to the creation of the National Military Establishment.
1949 – The Department of Defense is created, replacing the National Military Establishment.
August 31, 1949 – Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announces the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force holidays.
February 27, 1950 – Truman proclaims — “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 20, 1950 – Armed Forces Day is first celebrated.
– B-36 bombers fly over the capitals of every state.
– 10,000 troops and veterans march in Washington, DC.
– A parade is held in New York.
– Parades, air shows, receptions and other celebrations take place nationwide.
March 18, 1961 – President John F. Kennedy signs a proclamation officially declaring Armed Forces Day a national holiday on every third Saturday in May.
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