How to Observe Armed Forces Day

Honor military members on Armed Forces Day.

Armed Forces Day honors all four branches of the U.S. military: Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines. Armed Forces Day also marked the combination of the four military branches into one Department of Defense. President Harry S Truman set aside the third Saturday in May to observe the holiday, and the first Arned Forces Day was celebrated in 1950.

Instructions

1. Call or write someone you know in the military and thank them for their service.

2. Participate in a parade in your town. Volunteer to set up or clean up, build floats or provide assistance to veterans who want to attend.

3. Volunteer with groups that support military members and their families, such as the USO. Support could include mailing a care package, sending a letter, or giving books or other materials to troops in need.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that deployed soldiers are missing home, so a simple letter could have great value.

• Be careful of scam websites. Don't send money anywhere unless you know the site is valid (sad, isn't it?). Tips to stay safe: check for website security, visit the Better Business Bureau, or do a google search for the site name to see if anyone has complained about it.

References

• Defense Link: Armed Forces Day