Friday, May 16, 2008

May 17 is Armed Forces Day – Show Support for Military Families


According to the United States Department of Defense link at www.defenselink.mil/afd/: 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 annually on the third Saturday of May. Armed Forces Week begins on the second Saturday of May and ends on the third Sunday of May, the day after Armed Forces Day. Because of their unique training schedules, National Guard and Reserve units may celebrate Armed Forces Day/Week over any period in May.

Why not mark Armed Forces Day by contributing to one of the many charitable organizations that support today’s military personnel and their families?

You can learn about some of these organizations at my website www.mrslieutenant.com by clicking on SUPPORT MILITARY FAMILIES. Other organizations are described in my recent posts – including the May 12th description of www.vacationsforveterans.org; the April 24th description of www.woundedwarriorproject.org; and the April 11th post about www.BooksForSoldiers.com, www.AMillionThanks.org, and www.AnySoldier.com

Whether through sending books and/or letters to military personnel serving in harm’s way or helping provide for the needs of military families left alone while a parent serves in a combat zone, you can show your support for U.S. military personnel regardless of what you think of the current fighting.

Say yes to showing your appreciation of the U.S. armed forces that protect our country. Do it now – in honor of Armed Forces Day.

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