WHAT IS ARMED FORCES DAY & WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Armed Forces Day 2024 is upon us. This means it’s time to brush up on the meaning and the celebrations and customs surrounding it. If you're a military member or supporting personnel, you should know all about Armed Forces Day. In case you don’t, we’re here to save you some embarrassment and shame on Armed Forces Day 2024.
What is Armed Forces Day?
If you’re planning on wishing your fellow service members a happy Armed Forces Day this year, make sure they’re not just empty words. Also, don’t accidentally wish someone a happy Armed Forces Day 2024 on the wrong day.Armed Forces Day falls on the third Saturday in May every year. That means that the 2024 Armed Forces Day celebration will be on May 18th.This day is used to honor and uplift Americans who serve in all branches of the military. It is also used to recognize the work of all service members who dedicate themselves to preparedness for anything that the U.S. may face.Armed Forces Day was first observed in May 1950, and it was first established in August 1949. Additionally, the first celebration was marked with many air shows, parades across the nation, and base open houses.When the day was first established following the unification of the armed forces under the DoD, then-President Truman announced its creation, stating:
“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.”
Meaning of the Holiday
Originally, this day was intended to become a conglomerate of celebrations for all branches of the military. However, each branch still recognizes and observes its own day of celebration, many of which fall on the anniversary of that branch’s creation or birthday.
- Air Force Day: October 8th, 2024
- Army Day: April 6th, 2024
- Coast Guard Day: August 4th, 2024
- Marine Corps Day: November 27th, 2024
- Navy Day: October 27th, 2024
- Space Force Day: December 20th, 2024
You may also ask yourself if the National Guard and Reserves are included in Armed Forces Day. Though they technically are, National Guard and Reserve members often have complex training schedules that don’t coincide with those of other branches. Because of this, the National Guard and Reserves may choose to celebrate Armed Forces Day at any point during this week. They may even celebrate the entire month of May, which is Military Appreciation Month.
Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day vs. Armed Forces Day
With so many military celebrations throughout the year, and even just in the month of May alone, it can be difficult to keep up. Many people are confused about the distinctions between Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day vs. Armed Forces Day – and that’s okay! We’re gonna lay it out for you.Memorial Day, unlike Veterans Day and Armed Forces Day, is dedicated to honoring service members who have passed away during military service.Veterans Day is dedicated to retired military personnel who are still with us or have passed away.Lastly, Armed Forces Day is used to celebrate currently serving military personnel of all branches, not Veterans or military members who have passed.Explore national military holidays:Why Do We Celebrate Memorial Day? &What Is Veterans Day? Honoring All Who Served
How to Celebrate Armed Forces Day 2024
When you’re looking for ways to celebrate, make sure you’re cognizant of the feelings that the military members around you have for celebrations. Some military members may not want a huge party in honor of them, which is common and understandable! This day should be about them, after all, so don’t do anything that would make them uneasy on Armed Forces Day 2024.Many people like to throw a good, old-fashioned backyard party chock-full of barbecuing, burgers, and buddies. If you’re close to a particularly playful service member, you may pull out an Armed Forces Day meme or two to get them to crack up today.A lot of people will attend a local flag-raising or will organize one themselves. However, air shows are also pretty popular outings. This year, Dover Air Force Base is hosting what promises to be a pretty spectacular showing calledFirst State Airshow from May 18th-May 19th. The event is free and open to the public this Saturday and Sunday. Additionally, the gates open at 9 am and performances start at 11:30 am. The headlining acts this year are the F-35 Lightning II Demonstration Team & the U.S. Army Golden Knights.In sum, no matter how you plan on celebrating Armed Forces Day this year, make sure that it’s done in a respectful way that honors the service members close to you.Read next: