BVA Happenings is pleased to acknowledge the latest in the list of holidays that make up National Military Appreciation Month throughout May 2023, paying special tribute tomorrow, May 20, to those currently serving in all six branches of the U.S. Military: Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, the newly created Space Force, and Coast Guard, including the National Guard and Reserve Components of these branches.

Prior to 1950, single celebrations were conducted for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. On August 21, 1949, newly confirmed and first ever Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of Armed Forces Day stemming from the unification of all branches under a single Cabinet Department and one Secretary. The first official Armed Forces Day occurred on May 20, 1950. With the theme “Teamed for Defense,” the day was celebrated with B-36 Bombers flying over state capitals, a march led by more than 10,000 veterans and troops in Washington, DC, and more than 33,000 participants in a New York City parade.

In 1961, John F. Kennedy declared Armed Forces Day a national holiday to be celebrated on the third Saturday of every month of May. Although not all U.S. cities and towns hold military exercises, parades, and receptions on Armed Forces Day, the National WWII Museum in New Orleans has established a noteworthy set of traditions to highlight the strength and importance of the military on this significant holiday. For information on this year’s New Orleans festivities, click here.