GETTING TO KNOW THE U.S. ARMED FORCES DAY – A Special Tribute!

 

Ever pause to think about how you take for granted the ground you walk on, the air you breathe, the food you rightfully put on your plate, as your children study and play blissfully at school, while you manage to juggle your work life and household affairs? We can all pull this off because there is someone out there watching over us – by land, by sea, and by air – to ensure we remain unhurt and unharmed by probable dangers lurking around in close proximity.

 

Teamed for Defense – Through day and past night

May 16th, 2015 is the U.S. Armed Forces Day this year. On this day first and foremost it is important for us to sincerely convey our great gratitude and support to the U.S. Army, U.S. NavyU.S. Marine CorpsU.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard – consolidated under the U.S. Department of Defense and “teamed for defense” since August 31, 1949 – as they go about relentlessly fulfilling their duties in order to defend the country and its countrymen from external and internal aggression through day and past night. Because of the armed forces there is peace and security. We can go about our daily business and sleep safe and sound because of these very defense forces out there, who work ceaselessly to protect us.

 

Celebrated since 1950 for Desirable Peace – Land, Sea, and Air

As per historical facts, in a speech announcing the formation of the day, President Truman had appropriately praised the work of the military services at home and across the seas and said that it was vital to the security of the nation and to the establishment of a desirable peace. Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May since 20th May 1950. Armed Forces Week begins on the second Saturday of May and ends on the third Sunday of May. The armed forces consistently and courageously defend our country at land, through sea, and by air. Therefore it goes without saying how much we owe an incredible debt of gratitude to the men and women who form these forces and risk their very lives every single moment to protect ours.

 

A Grand Commemoration!

The U.S. Armed Forces Day is a day not only to commemorate and recognize the members of the military and the paramilitary forces but also for them to exhibit their state-of-the-art equipments, weapons and achievements before the people of the country in parades and air shows in front of vast gathered crowds who cheer them on by expressing their unflinching support towards their protectors – it’s a show to remember, and yes it’s simply a show to just not miss! So be there and reiterate to them that they matter. It is a matter of pride to learn about how it all began on the first U.S. Armed Forces Day with a grand parade including 33,000 participants and 250 military planes of all types. Well, isn’t that certainly something to boast about and remember?

 

Famous Words for Summing up

The armed forces work jointly towards a goal of preparedness for any eventuality. As the former Secretary of Defense, Louis Johnson once aptly elaborated – “The heritage of freedom must be guarded as carefully in peace as it was in war. Faith, not suspicion, must be the key to our relationships. Sacrifice, not selfishness, must be the eternal price of liberty. Vigilance, not appeasement, is the byword of living freedoms. Our Armed Forces in 1950– protecting the peace, building for security with freedom–are “Teamed for Defense …” – a beautiful summing up of the role of the armed forces in the progress and welfare of the country.

 

Continuing Themes …

Over the years since the first armed forces day in 1950, the emanating celebration has been used to underline several varied themes pertaining to nation and freedom. These include dedication, devotion, democracy, lasting peace, liberty, patriotism, professionalism, protection, deterrence, gratitude, and security. The individuals comprising the armed forces have always been lauded for putting themselves in positions of endangerment and making incredible sacrifices in terms of lives, relationships, and time for the sake of the ordinary citizens of the country, – Yes! You and me! – in an act of ensuring our safety and peace by risking their own, in times of war and peace.

 

The Children’s legacy

It is an effective way of expressing gratitude, love, adulation, and respect towards the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard by first educating our children about the meaning and significance of each, as well as organizing local celebrations and supportive awareness campaigns using posters and special meetings. This is urgent because our children are the tomorrow that we can start building today by instilling in them the right beliefs and values. A special mention must of course be made to respect those individuals in the armed forces who lost their lives for their country – a heartrending price to pay.

 

Know, Understand … and Express with a Hat Tip

The three key words pertaining to the annual Armed Forces day and also the entire remaining year are “KNOW”, “UNDERSTAND”, and “EXPRESS”. So KNOW what the men and women in the armed forces have continuously accomplished for you so that you may live protected and prosperously. UNDERSTAND how they are indispensable to your life and wellbeing. EXPRESS your acknowledgement, appreciation, and loyalty with a hat tip. And keep the spirit alive all the year through. Just as they do.