By Donna Reuss
Alexandria, VA – Memorial Day will soon be here, the most recognized holiday within the National Military Appreciation Month of May. Many people will gather at cemeteries around the country to place flags on or visit the graves of our fallen. While poignant to remember the service of those who have perished, equally important in today’s world is to acknowledge the sacrifices and service of those currently in uniform. Armed Forces Day, May 16, recognizes our active duty, National Guard, and Reserve members serving around the world.
Before the National Security Act of 1947, each branch of the military was separate and celebrated its own day of recognition. The Act unified the four branches under the single authority of the Secretary of Defense. In 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced an Armed Forces Day to reflect this unification.
President Harry S Truman proclaimed the first Armed Forces Day on May 20, 1950, stating “…it is fitting and proper that we devote one day each year to paying tribute to the Armed Forces as the servants and protectors of our Nation.” Further, “Armed Forces Day…marks the first combined demonstration by America’s defense team of its progress…towards the goal of readiness for any eventuality…by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense.”
This first observance was widely celebrated with parades and air shows around the country, including B-36 bombers flying over each state capital; more than 36,000 participating in a parade in New York City; and 10,000 troops, cadets, and veterans marching in Washington, DC.
In his 1961 proclamation, President John F. Kennedy called for Armed Forces Day to be observed annually on the third Saturday in May. While he labeled it a “federal” holiday, Armed Forces Day does not have standing in law. Rather, it is a “national” holiday, celebrated as part of our Nation’s culture.
Further, President Kennedy saw the observance as a way “to enhance public understanding and appreciation of the armed forces…as defenders of freedom at home and abroad.” We may watch military operations on television news or social media. But with less than 1% of today’s U.S. adult population in active military service, open houses at military installations, parades, and educational and other public events help us engage with our armed forces much more personally.
You can honor current service members by flying the U.S. and/or a service flag on May 16; sending messages or care packages to the troops; volunteering at a veterans’ organization; learning the history of the services or your own family’s military history; offering a military appreciation discount at your business; or using the hashtag #ArmedForcesDay as you post your activities on social media.
Or join in one of the public activities in Alexandria this month:
– Flags-in-the-Ground, May 23, 9:30 a.m., Alexandria National Cemetery, 1450 Wilkes Street.
– Memorial Day Commemorative Ceremony, May 25, 11 a.m., Alexandria National Cemetery, followed by a reception at American Legion Post 24, 400 Cameron Street.
– Alexandria City’s Memorial Day Ceremony, May 25, also 11 a.m., Rocky Versace Plaza, Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave.
– Flags-out-of-the-Ground, May 30, 8 a.m., Alexandria National Cemetery, 1450 Wilkes Street.
– Sister Cities Alexandria, VA, and Caen, France, Commemoration of D-Day Invasion of Normandy, May 31, 1-4 p.m., John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle Street.
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If you are a veteran or know a veteran or family member who needs help, go to Virginia Board Veterans Services at www.dvs.virginia.gov/dvs; or contact American Legion Post 24 Veteran Service Officer at [email protected]. For crisis intervention and suicide prevention, dial 988 and Press 1, or text 838255 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
