Recently, the nation celebrated both Armed Forces Day (May 16, 2020) and Memorial Day (May 25, 2020) and is looking forward to Flag Day (June 14, 2020). quick search reveals that military holidays, including Armed Forces Day, are chances for businesses to offer “great deals”. Many days celebrate various aspects of the military and veterans. It is important to take note of exactly what those holidays mean.

The Holidays

Armed Forces Day- This day (the third Saturday in May) celebrates those currently serving in any branch of military. The day marks when President Harry Truman celebrated the military by supporting parades of the joint forces in 1950.

Memorial Day- The background of Memorial Day stems from honoring those who had fallen during the Civil War. The first Memorial Day took place in 1868. A proud country laid flowers on the graves of the solider who had died during the war. This continues in methods such as placing American Flags on the graves of military members who have passed.

Flag Day- Without school in session, this holiday is often glossed over. This day celebrates the date that the United States adopted the American Flag in 1777. Now, we celebrate Flag Day on June 14th.

Veterans Day- Veterans Day is a celebration of the Allied Forces when the fighting of World War I stopped on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. Veterans Day is now a national holiday to thank and celebrate the service of veterans. President Dwight D. Eisenhower declared it as an American holiday in 1938.

To Sum it All Up…

These holidays represent different aspects of military service and many more exist to celebrate the birthdays of each service- (US Army- June 14, 1775, US Navy- October 13, 1775, US Marine Corps- November 10, 1775, Coast Guard- August 4, 1790, US Air Force- September 18, 1947, ). Many of the original jobs (Hospital Corpsman in the Navy for one) also celebrate their birthdays and host cake cutting ceremonies. Many military members and veterans celebrate multiple birthdays to honor their service.

All this to say: the military is deeply steeped in traditions that are still remembered and honored today. I enjoy the three day weekends and spending time with friends and family. It is important to remember those who have served and those who have passed on. Thank you to all serving and who have served- your military service doesn’t go unnoticed.