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Armed Forces Day 2023 (US): Date, History, Significance and Facts

The holiday was conceived by President Harry S. Truman and instituted in 1949. Due to the recent consolidation of the five branches of the United States military under the Department of Defence, it made sense to create a singular day to honour them all.

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Armed Forces Day 2023: Date, History, Significance and Facts

Armed Forces Day 2023: Armed Forces Day is a special occasion on which people from around the globe gather to express their gratitude to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. The holiday was conceived by President Harry S. Truman and instituted in 1949. Due to the recent consolidation of the five branches of the United States military under the Department of Defence, it made sense to create a singular day to honour them all. Today, Armed Forces Day is observed on the third Saturday of May, which falls on May 20 this year. Mark your calendars and show your support for our military!

WHEN IS ARMED FORCES DAY 2023?

America’s venerated uniformed heroes serving in the five branches of the U.S. Military are honoured on the 15th of May, the third Saturday in May.

HISTORY OF ARMED FORCES DAY

Two centuries span the annals of the United States Armed Forces. The United States rapidly evolved from a new nation fighting for independence against Great Britain between 1775 and 1783, to fighting in the landmark American Civil War between 1861 and 1865, to demonstrating their valour and strength during World War II, to emerging as a global superpower by the end of the 20th century. The United States armed forces consist of five branches: the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

General George Washington commanded and lead the Continental Army, Continental Navy, and Continental Marines, which were established by the Continental Congress in 1775. During the American Revolutionary War, this freshly assembled military force fought the British alongside French soldiers, resulting in the Treaty of Paris and its independence. In 1789, the new Constitution granted the president the authority to create laws, levy taxes, and declare war, as well as to serve as commander-in-chief of the military.

War Department to Defence Department:

Since its inception, the Army division of the Armed Forces has been primarily responsible for fighting land engagements and deploying the military for invasion. The United States Army Corps of Engineers controls the majority of America’s inland rivers. Following the conflict with the British Army, the United States Army remained relatively small and operated in peacetime. In the 1940s, the Air Force became an entirely separate organisation from the Army Air Forces. The U.S. Army was transferred from the War Department to the Defence Department in 1947.

The U.S. Army fought in the Indian Wars of the 1790s, the War of 1812, the American Civil War in 1861, the Spanish-American War in 1898, World Wars I and II in 1917 and 1941, the Korean War in 1950, and the Vietnam War in 1965. The United States military also participated in the 1991 Gulf War and the Afghanistan War.

The United States Armed Forces are commanded by the Department of Defence and the Coast Guard, which is authorised by the Department of Homeland Security as of 2019.

The President of the United States is the chief commander, and they exercise their authority through the Secretary of Defence and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who oversees combat operations.

The customs of the day

On this day, numerous events are held in cities across the United States to honour those who have served. These include air shows, parades, open days, educational exhibits for children and ‘Support the Troops’ motorbike rallies.

Veterans Day is also a popular occasion for picnics with family and friends who are veterans. On this day, there are numerous purchasing discounts available. Some host military-themed costume parties or war-movie marathons, choosing from such classics as “Saving Private Ryan,” “Black Hawk Down,” “Fury,” “Apocalypse Now,” “The Hurt Locker,” “Full Metal Jacket,” “American Sniper,” and “Unbroken.”

BY THE NUMBERS

  • 1950 was the first year America observed Armed Forces Day.
  • 30 presidents of the United States served in the U.S. Army.
  • George Washington and Dwight Eisenhower are the only two presidents to become five-star generals.
  • Theodore Roosevelt is the only president to have been awarded the Medal of Honour.
  • The number of PlayStation 3s utilised to assemble a Department of Defence supercomputer.
  • The acreage possessed by the Department of Defence is 30 million.
  • 800 – the quantity of United States military installations overseas.
  • 1817 marks the introduction of bell-bottom trousers for Navy personnel.
  • The number of gallons of petroleum used annually by the United States military.
  • By using a silent variety of Velcro, the U.S. Army was able to reduce the ripping noise on soldiers’ uniforms by 95%.

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HOW TO OBSERVE ARMED FORCES DAY

Go to a procession

Traditionally, National Armed Forces Day is observed with parades honouring military service. Typically, open houses, air displays, and other local festivities accompany a parade. There are numerous municipal parades throughout the United States; there is bound to be one in your neighbourhood.

Attend a public military exhibition

Typically, military or government personnel will set up educational or historical displays for the public. Visiting such an exhibition can be both educational and entertaining. This also affords civilians the opportunity to interact directly with military personnel.

Visit a military cemetery or memorial

On National Armed Forces Day, military memorials and cemeteries often host special ceremonies. The memorial hymn “Taps” is played by buglers in honour of fallen soldiers. This is an excellent method to show military personnel respect and gratitude.

5 FUN FACTS ABOUT MILITARY UNIFORMS YOU NEVER KNEW

The army converted to blue from green

As a tribute to George Washington and the men in his first command, today’s army troops don blue instead of green.

The Marine Corps desired distinctive uniforms.

The Marine Corps went so far as to include the letters “USMC” on their uniforms in order to prevent other branches from using their design.

Navy uniform stripes were a fashion choice.

It turns out that the three pinstripes on the Navy tunic have no significance other than the fact that the majority of men adorned their collars with various types of white stripes, so it became part of the uniform.

There is a reason why sailors don bell-bottom trousers.

Famously, sailors wear trousers with a wide leg opening so that they can easily fold them up when conducting duties that require them to get their feet wet.

The flag patch is intentionally reversed

The American flag insignia on military uniforms has the stars on the right and the stripes on the left so that it appears to be flapping in the wind.

WHY ARMED FORCES DAY IS IMPORTANT

The military deserves our respect.

Joining the United States Armed Forces is an altruistic act that merits recognition. Every day, soldiers and other military personnel jeopardise their lives to ensure the safety of the populace. This holiday is a chance for the average individual to demonstrate support for this sacrifice.

It promotes awareness and comprehension

National Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for self- or group-education. Originally, the holiday was intended to assist citizens comprehend the role of the military in our society. We can all contribute by disseminating knowledge and comprehension.

It is for all five military branches.

There are five branches of the military: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. This festivity is designed for all five branches. Originally intended to replace distinct branch appreciation holidays, these are still observed today.

ARMED FORCES DAY DATES

Year Date Day
2021 May 15 Saturday
2022 May 21 Saturday
2023 May 20 Saturday
2024 May 18 Saturday
2025 May 17 Saturday

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