United in strength: 2011 Armed Forces Day

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman La'Shanette V. Garrett
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days.

The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department--the Department of Defense.

Each of the military leagues and orders were asked to drop sponsorship of its specific service day in order to celebrate the newly announced Armed Forces Day. 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.

In a speech announcing the formation of the day, President Truman "praised the work of the military services at home and across the seas," and said, "it is vital to the security of the nation and to the establishment of a desirable peace."

This year Armed Forces Day will be celebrated on May 21.

The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated on Saturday, May 20, 1950. It was designed to expand the public understanding of what type of job is performed and the role of the military in civilian life. It is a day for the military to show "state-of-the-art" equipment to the civilian population they are protecting especially at military bases and to honor and acknowledge the people of the Armed Forces of the United States.

"I believe it is fitting and proper that there is a day devoted to military members," said Senior Master Sgt. Shanece Johnson, 2nd Medical Support Squadron superintendent. "It serves to remind the American public of the patronage and sacrifices that servicemembers freely make every day. Unlike many other countries, we are not forced into military service, but we choose to serve in the profession of war. Armed Forces Day also lets the military community know that our government is aware of our selfless duty and honors this by setting aside a day for us."

The theme of the first Armed Forces Day was "Teamed for Defense." It was chosen as a means of expressing the unification of all the military forces under a single department of the government. Although this was the theme for the day, there were several other purposes for holding Armed Forces Day. It was a type of "educational program for civilians," one in which there would be an increased awareness of the Armed Forces. It was designed to expand public understanding of what type of job is performed and the role of the military in civilian life.

"This day bonds us with our local and national communities. Many cities celebrate this day, with lavish parties, discounts to local businesses and some with a public thank you via a radio station or televised news program," Sergeant Johnson said.

The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated by parades, open houses, receptions and air shows. In Washington D.C., 10,000 troops of all military branches, cadets and veterans marched pass the president and his party. In Berlin, 1,000 U.S. troops paraded for the German citizens at Templehof Airfield. In New York City, an estimated 33,000 participants initiated Armed Forces Day "under an air cover of 250 military planes of all types." In harbors across the country were the famed mothballed "battlewagons" of World War II, the U.S.S. Missouri, U.S.S. New Jersey, U.S.S. North Carolina and U.S.S. Iowa, all open for public inspection. Precision flying teams dominated the skies as tracking radar was exhibited on the ground. All across the country, the American people joined together to honor the Armed Forces.

"This is the day on which we have the welcome opportunity to pay special tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces...to all the individuals who are in the service of their country all over the world. Armed Forces Day won't be a matter of parades and receptions for a good many of them. They will all be in the line of duty and some of them may give their lives in that duty," said Edward Palmer.

"For me, it is a time to reflect on the true reasons I serve," Sergeant Johnson said. "Many times we get caught up in the paperwork trap of performance reports, award packages and down and dirty disciplinary actions. On this day, I remember that I re-enlisted because I am proud to be an American. I understand the need for the military, and enjoy positively impacting the lives of those around me. What other job can you be developed as a leader, mentor future leaders and truly effect people's professional and private lives?"

"It is my honor to serve the greatest Air Force in the world and no matter the professional and/or personal struggles; it has been and continues to be a blessing."

What will you be reminded of on this day?