President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country.

Many Americans celebrate Armed Forces Day annually on the third Saturday of May. It is a day to pay tribute to men and women who serve the United States’ armed forces. Armed Forces Day is also part of Armed Forces Week, which begins on the second Saturday of May.

On August 31, 1949, Louis Johnson, who was the United States’ Secretary of Defense, announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. The event stemmed from the armed forces’ unification under one department – the Department of Defense. The Army, Navy and Air Force leagues adopted the newly formed day. The Marine Corps League declined to drop support for Marine Corps Day but supports Armed Forces Day too.

The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated on Saturday, May 20, 1950. The theme for that day was “Teamed for Defense”, which expressed the unification of all military forces under one government department. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the day was designed to expand public understanding of what type of job was performed and the role of the military in civilian life.

Armed Forces Day was a day for the military to show "state-of-the-art" equipment to Americans. It was also a day to honor and acknowledge Americans in the armed forces. Parades, open houses, receptions and air shows were held at the inaugural Armed Forces Day. Armed Forces Day is still celebrated nationwide today and is part of Armed Forces Week.

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Locally, (from the American Legion Post FB page)

Today, Saturday May 21st BBQ at Chester Woods Park for all veterans and families!
SE MN REGION VETERANS BBQ. An appreciation for all Veterans and their families welcome!

Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the camaraderie.

Free food- pulled pork, dogs, burgers and beverages.

Games & activities for all. Fishing supplies provided, (15+ license required).

Information on VA benefits, education, American Legion, Beyond The Yellow Ribbon SE MN, DAV, MACV, VFW, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and SALUTE will be available.

Donations from Hormel Foods, HyVee, Hooked on Fishing, Mrs. Gerry’s, Pepsi, Erdmanns, American Legion Post 92, DAV CH 28, VFW Post 1215, The Military Order of the Purple Heart CH 7110, and Herold Flags.

Presented by RCTC Student Senate, RCTC Veterans Club

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