WASHINGTON — May 18 is Armed Forces Day, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) joins a grateful nation in paying tribute to the soldiers, Marines, sailors, airmen, guardians, and Coast Guardsmen who are defending freedom both here at home, and around the globe.
According to the Department of Defense website, on Aug. 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 the Department of Defense. Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday in May, which occurs during Armed Forces Week and Military Appreciation Month. The 2024 White House Proclamation on Armed Forces Day can be found here.
Despite those who look to upend our great nation and threaten peace around the world, U.S. service members continue to selflessly stand watch for those who would do us harm. Even now, a new generation of people are raising their right hand to serve in defense of our country. They will undergo the rite of passage for their chosen branch and join the more than 2 million men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces doing what is asked of them – no matter the mission, no matter the location, no matter the cost.
The 1.4 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary salute all U.S. service members and encourages everyone to take a moment to recognize those wearing the uniform, thanking them for their service and for protecting our democracy and way of life.