ARMED FORCES DAY: May 20 - 2023
"No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation."
... General Douglas MacArthur
The third Saturday of each May is Armed Forces Day. While Armed Forces Day is not an official federal holiday, this day is set aside to honor everyone who currently serves in all six of the United States military branches -- Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, U.S. Space Force.
"History has taught us over and over again that freedom is not free. When push comes to shove, the ultimate protectors of freedom and liberty are the brave men and women of our Armed Forces. Throughout our history, they've answered the call in bravery and sacrifice."
... Tim Pawlenty
President John F. Kennedy established Armed Forces Day as an official holiday in 1962. However, it was President Harry S. Truman, who began the effort to set aside a day to recognize the service of our armed forces. In 1949, Armed Forces Day was established to replace individual Army, Navy, Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard and Air Force Days. The first official Armed Forces Day took place on May 20, 1950, and was themed “Teamed for Defense.”
"The freedoms and prosperity we enjoy in America are thanks to the brave men and women who have served in our Armed Forces."
... Bill Foster
Armed Forces Day is a holiday that falls "under the radar," compared with Memorial Day and Veteran's Day. Nevertheless, take this opportunity to observe Armed Forces Day and Week by thanking a member of our brave military for their patriotism, their heroism, their service, and their sacrifice. There's truth to the saying that "heroes don't wear capes, they wear dog tags."
Let's remember that our armed forces members are volunteers. As General James H Doolittle said: "There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer."
By the way, did you know that the flag patch on military uniforms has the stars on the right and the stripes on the left to give the effect that the flag is blowing in the breeze?
"Never in the history of the world has any soldier sacrificed more for the freedom and liberty of total strangers than the American soldier."
... Zell Miller
"The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose and that is the path of surrender or submission."
... John F. Kennedy
"Freedom does not come without a price. We may sometimes take for granted the many liberties we enjoy in America, but they have all been earned through the ultimate sacrifice paid by so many of the members of our armed forces."
... Charlie Dent
When You See a Soldier
By Kelly Roper
When you see a soldier
Be sure to shake his or her hand,
And let that soldier know you're grateful
For the protection the military affords our land.
But most of all, express your thanks
For every soldier's personal sacrifice.
In order to serve our country,
They risked their entire lives.
Comments (34)Subscribe to CommentsComment