Armed Forces Day is an annual event in the United States of America (USA), which is celebrated in honour and recognise the service of their military forces. The event is organised across the world on different dates. In the United States, Armed Forces Day is marked annually on the third Saturday of May. This year, Armed Forces Day 2024 will be observed on Saturday, May 18. Armed Forces Day in the US was created to replace separate Army, Navy, and Air Force Days, consolidating them into a single day of appreciation for all branches of the military. As Armed Forces Day 2024 nears, here’s all you need to know about the history and significance of the US Observance. Washington's Birthday (Presidents' Day) 2024 Date, History and Significance: Know All About the Federal US Holiday That Honours All the Presidents of the US.

Armed Forces Day History

Armed Forces Day was established in 1949 by Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson. It was intended to unify the separate celebrations of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. As per historical records, Armed Forces Day in the US was first observed on May 20, 1950.

The day was created on August 31, 1949, as President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank military members for their patriotic service in support of the republic and national interests and as an undeniable fact of American life. Secretary of Defense Louis A. Johnson announced the creation to honour Americans serving in the five U.S. military branches – the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast.

Armed Forces Day Significance

The Armed Forces Day in the US is an important day and is marked by parades, open houses, receptions and air shows. It was intended to replace the separate Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Days, but the separate days are still observed, especially within the respective services. Many military bases open their doors to the public, hosting parades, air shows, and demonstrations to showcase military equipment and personnel.

The annual event serves as an opportunity for civilians to learn more about the military and for service members to be appreciated for their dedication and service.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 18, 2024 04:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).