The Armed Forces Day is being celebrated today. While many nations all over the world have their own dates to honor their armed forces, the US has chosen the third Saturday of May as the day of looking back into the many contributions of the said sector and the special day to honor everything they have done for the country.
To put it simply, the Armed Forces Day is the day to pay tribute to the men and women, who are part of the United State's armed forces.
This year, the theme for the celebration is "Courage, Honor, Strength, Duty, Dedication, Excellence, Valor, Commitment and Professionalism."
Looking back at the history of the celebration, the first Armed Forces Day was celebrated on May, 20, 1950.
In a speech announcing the establishment of the annual celebration starting that day, former President Truman recognized the works and efforts of the military services at home and across the seas, adding that "it is vital to the security of the nation and to the establishment of a desirable peace."
"Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, I call upon my fellow citizens to display the flag of the United States at their homes on Armed Forces Day and to participate in exercises expressive of our recognition of the skill, gallantry, and uncompromising devotion to duty characteristic of the Armed Forces in the carrying out of their missions," an excerpt from the Presidential Proclamation 2873 of Feb 27, 1950 by President Truman reads.
The theme for the first ever celebration of the Armed Forces Day was "Teamed for Defense."
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, there are actually other purposes for holding such a celebration annually, citing that the tradition also serves as a type of educational program for civilians. Hence, the celebration was said to be designed to expand public understanding on the role of the military in civilian life.
Lt. Col. Kathleen Mackey, 49th Medical Support Squadron Commander, in her published work for Alamogordo News said the traits listed on this year's theme for the Armed Forces Day should be exemplified by each and every one.
"We must exemplify these traits at all times," she wrote. "We owe it to those who served in the past, for those who serve with us presently, and for those who will come after us. We owe it to the American citizens whom we defend, and most importantly, we owe it to ourselves."
