One app for all your study abroad needs
Armed Forces Day is celebrated each year in USA on the third Saturday of May along with other military holidays. Moreover, this day falls during Military Appreciation Month and military-themed holidays are celebrated like Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Memorial Day, and Victory in Europe Day.
Table of Contents
Why Celebrate Armed Forces Day?
The Armed Forces Day is a holiday for citizens and people all around the world, they get together and thank the women and men of the United States Armed Forces. In the year 1949, it was first initiated by President Harry S. Truman. Furthermore, this single day of celebration dedicated to all five branches of the United States of America armed forces. The day also came into being because of its recent unification under the Department of Defense. In addition, this year Armed Forces Day observed on the third Saturday in May.
Also Read: Indian Army Recruitment
What is the History of the Armed Forces Day?
The history of the Armed Forces in the USA goes back over two centuries. The country has evolved from a nation fighting for its independence against Britain to the landmark American Civil War. Moreover, it proved its mettle during World War II, and towards the end of the 20th century, emerged as the world superpower.
The U.S. armed forces comprise five main branches of the military they are as follows:
- Air Force
- Navy
- Army
- Coast Guard
- Marine Corps
Additionally, the origin of the Army Force dates back to 1775. This was the time when the Continental Congress had established the Continental Army, Continental Marines, and Continental Navy. It was led and commanded by General George Washington. Moreover, the newly formed military had fought against the British during the American Revolutionary War along with the French soldiers by its side. It led to the Treaty of Paris and later its independence. In 1789, according to the new Constitution, the commander in chief of the military became the president. He had the authority to create laws, declare war, and levy taxes.
The Significant Wars in the History of the Armed Forces
The main responsibility of the Army is to fight battles on land as well as deploy the US armed forces and military for takeover. A few of the major wars that the Army force of U.S. participated in were the War of 1812, the Indian Wars of the 1790s, the Spanish-American War of 1898, the American Civil War in 1861, and World Wars I as well as II in 1917 and 1941, respectively. It also participated in the Korean War in 1950, as well as the Vietnam War in 1965. Moreover, the military had also taken part in the Gulf War in 1991 as well as the war in Afghanistan.
Also Read: World Mental Health Day
Traditions Carried out on Armed Forces Day
There are many events conducted across cities in the U.S. where homage is paid to those army men who serve the citizens. These events include a public show of military services such as parades, air shows, open days, educational exhibits for children, as well as ‘Support the Troops’ motorbike rallies.
A lot of people also plan picnics and go out to celebrate the day with their family and friends who are also veterans. Moreover, many shopping discounts are made available by stores on this day. Some people also throw a military dress-up party or even war-movie marathons for their friends and family. These movies have many classics like “Black Hawk Down,” “Saving Private Ryan,” “Fury,” “The Hurt Locker,” “Apocalypse Now,” “Full Metal Jacket,” “Unbroken,” and “American Sniper.”
Hope you understood and enjoyed reading everything about Armed Force Day in the USA. If you want to know more about such celebrated days, check out the trending events page of Leverage Edu.