Teamed for Defense was the first theme for Armed forces Day. This theme was selected to show the uniting of the separate military units into one single unit in the Government.
Armed Forces Day is also used as a day that civilian’s can learn and become more aware of what exactly the Armed Forces work entails and how they go about defending us and our Country. This is a time the military shows the civilian’s new technology and equipment that have been finished and tested in the previous years.
Armed Forces Day is a day we should all show our acknowledgement, support and honors for our military personnel. Everyone should come out to celebrate and give their thanks and supportiveness to our troops, especially on this day. We must also remember as we are celebrating with music, parades and picnics, that many of our service men are in foreign Countries defending us and our Country instead of enjoying great music and food on this day and we should say a little prayer for their safe return. They are fighting for us to retain our freedom and our rights.
Receptions, parades, shows put on by pilots in the air and people holding an open house were all how Armed Forces Day was celebrated at first. Veterans and Cadet’s from all the branches of the Military’s troops, about ten-thousand in all, did a march which went right passed the President and the members of the party. This happened in Washington, D.C.
The battle ships of World War II, the North Carolina, the Iowa, the New Jersy and the Missouri were all located in harbors throughout the Country for civilians to come aboard them and check them out for themselves in honor of Armed Forces day.
Some events surrounding Armed Forces Day first celebration included; the sixty-ninth birthday celebration of the great Red Cross, the Republic of Cuba celebrated their anniversary of forty-eight years for their Republic’s establishment, Gen. Anastasio Somoza, was elected by Nicaraguan people for a six year term to be President, The draft was voted to become extended by the United states Congress and police in Bolivia decimated a believed LaPaz Communist led revolutionary strike. These were just a few extraordinary and important events that occurred on this first day of celebration for the Armed Forces.
Themes for other Armed Forces Day’s over the years have included; Patriotism, Freedom through Unity, Dedication & Devotion, Special Opportunity for Thanks, Power for Peace, Lasting Peace and Guardians of Peace.
Armed Forces Day comes on the third Saturday in the month of May. The second Saturday in the month of May kicks off Armed Forces Week celebrations, these end on the day following about Armed Forces Day.
Join in your own hometown celebrations for Armed Forces Day this year to show your support and thanks to all of our military personnel.