Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day Quick Facts

Hashtags	#ArmedForcesDay
Related Hashtags	#ArmedForces, #Military, #ThankYou
2023 Date	May 20, 2023
2024 Date	May 18, 2024

2023 Holidays & Dates

		US & Common Holidays
		Misc. & Int'l. Observancesℹ
		Christian Holidays
		Jewish Holidays
		Muslim Holidays

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Armed Forces Day in 2023

Saturday, May 20

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Armed Forces Day History

Armed Forces Day is a day to recognize those who actively serve in the Armed Forces. In 1947, the Armed Forces of the US were united under one department which was renamed the Department of Defense in 1949. President Harry S. Truman supported the creation of a day for the nation to unite in support and recognition of our military members and their families. On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced that Armed Forces Day would take the place of other individual branch celebrations, and all branches of the military would be honored this single day. Armed Forces Day is observed annually on the third Saturday in May.

Top Tweets for Armed Forces Day

Updated 03:20

On Armed Forces Day, we share our unending appreciation for the proud patriots who answered the call to serve, taking the sacred oath to defend our Constitution. Today and every day, we honor their immeasurable service on behalf of our grateful nation.
— President Biden (@POTUS) May 21, 2022

Today, and every day, we are eternally grateful for the bravery and sacrifice of those who serve in our Armed Forces. We would not be who we are as a nation without their dedication to our nation and our constitution. #ArmedForcesDay https://t.co/zPQdM1Ao2F
— VoteVets (@votevets) May 21, 2022

Today is Armed Forces Day. Honoring those currently serving. https://t.co/kR5HUrTS96
— ResLifePortal (@ResLifePortal) May 21, 2022

In the News and Trending for Armed Forces Day

Updated 03:20 Armed Forces Day parade returns for 75th year following COVID pause

kitsapsun.com

Armed Forces Museum preparing to host annual Memorial Day ceremony

wdam.com

Burr Ridge recognizing Armed Forces Day with ceremony on Saturday

chicagotribune.com

WATCH: Ft. Concho & Goodfellow AFB Celebrate Armed Forces Day Saturday

sanangelolive.com

Armed Forces Day Facts & Quotes

According to National Defense there were about 1.3 million personnel serving in active duty in the US as of 2021.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, there were 18 million veterans. About 89% are men and 11% are women.
The creation of Armed Forces Day was announced on August 31, 1949 by Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson. It was meant to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days.
One of the best ways to keep peace is to be prepared for war. - General George Washington

Armed Forces Day Top Events and Things to Do

Attend a parade or a military air show.
Send a care package to military personnel stationed overseas. Free flat-rate boxes are available at USPS. Use these to mail to military bases for a low cost.
Fly the American Flag.
Visit a local Veteran's Hospital or Nursing Home to show your gratitude.
Honor Military Working Dogs by donating to the ASPCA or other charitable organizations that protect and serve these heroic animals.

Armed Forces Day References and Related Sites

womensmemorial.org: The Women's Memorial

www.cfr.org: Demographics of US Military

www.nationaldefensemagazine.org: National Defense stat

www.bls.gov: Vetern Demographics 2021

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