Armed Forces Day-May 16, 2009

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.

On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department -- the Department of Defense.

Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May. Please give a salute to all those who put on a uniform, let them know we are a grateful nation!

Armed Forces Day
by Del "Abe" Jones

At the urging of Harry Truman
The third Saturday in May
The new Department of Defense
Proclaimed it, "Armed Forces Day".

A day to Thank all the Services
Who defend our air, land, and sea
Who serve our Country Proudly
Defending, this Land of the Free.

All those young Men and Women
And too, all of those "oldsters"
Who march, fly, and set sail
As Airmen, Sailors, Marines and Soldiers.

Some of them serve as "Regulars"
And some just do, the weekend
But all step forward, Strong and Proud
When we need someone to send.

The times have been a'changing
And missions they are asked to
Grow much more complicated
Than what, they used to do.

They must be Warrior and Diplomat
With clenched fist or gentle touch
Pass the ammunition, feed the hungry
Build roads, hospitals, and such.

"A Tradition of Heroes"
Is what some people say
And, we all owe them a, "Thank you!"
On this, "Armed Forces Day"