Armed Forces Day
May 18, 2024 (Third Saturday in May)
Armed Forces Day is the day to honor all who currently serve and all who have served, both active and former, in the reserves, National Guard or on active duty. In his February 27, 1950, proclamation announcing the establishment of the holiday, President Truman, the 33d President of the United States, wrote:
“I invite the Governors of the States, Territories, and possessions to issue proclamations calling for the celebration of that day in such manner as to honor the Armed Forces of the United States and the millions of veterans who have returned to civilian pursuits.”
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy established Armed Forces Day as an official holiday. The United States longest running city-sponsored Armed Forces Day Parade is held in Bremerton, Washington.