How to Celebrate Armed Forces Day

President Harry Truman proclaimed the first Armed Forces Day (AFD) on May 20, 1950. Every year since then, on the third Saturday in May we've honored the men and women who have served in uniform - in war and in peace - since the nation's founding. AFD will celebrate its 50th anniversary on May 20, 2000.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Attend an Armed Forces Day open house at a military base near you. Talk to the men and women on duty. Ask questions. Learn what it's like to serve these days.

2. Go to an Armed Forces Day Scout Blast. If you don't have a scout in the family, find a friend who does and tag along. You'll see things like pinewood derbies, Civil and Revolutionary War reenactments, sports competitions, fireworks displays, kite flying, rock climbing, hang-glider and dog-team demonstrations.

3. Contribute to the preservation of an historic fort near you. Pitch in at a cleanup, volunteer to help out at the next holiday celebration, or simply pop a check in the mail.

4. Honor the spirit of today's all-volunteer military by lending a hand yourself. Join a literacy group and teach people to read. Sign on to help in a disaster-relief project. Help dish up food at your local soup kitchen. Give blood.

Tips & Warnings

• To find out what's going on in your area this Armed Forces Day, check your local paper, or call the Public Information Office at your closest military installation.

[bowen0405]

on 3/22/2009 sOUTH CHARLESTON,WV WILL CELEBRATE ARMED FORCES DAY ON MAY 16,2009 THIS WILL BE OUR 50TH YEAR TO HONOR THE MILITARY. THE CITY WILL HAVE SIDEWALK SALES,YARD SALES,AN ARMED FORCES DAY PARADE, BUSINESS OPEN HOUSE,TASTE OF SOUTH CHARLESTON,KIDS ACTIVITIES,BLUES CONCERT,LIVE ENTERTAINMENT...OUR GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY..

[Mark1962]

on 5/19/2007 Being that I am just about to "attend" a gathering at one of our local Cemeteries, I feel the need to HONOR those who have safeguarded our freedoms...and may God bless us all!!!

on 6/30/2006 We're hosting a tribute along our waterfront in Paducah, KY. We have several representatives form the local service recruiting stations to carry in their colors. There will be guest speakers from or local city government, a Naval veteran, and a chaplain that participated in our Rally 'Round the Flagpole event. We also are fortunate to host the U.S. Navy Band Mid-South Ensemble for a FREE public performance. They will be honoring all branches of service with their performance of each service anthem.