Celebrating Our Service Members on Armed Forces Day

"It is fitting and proper that we devote one day each year to paying special tribute to those whose constancy and courage constitute one of the bulwarks guarding the freedom of this nation and the peace of the free world." - President Dwight D. Eisenhower

As American Legion Riders, we gladly welcome any opportunity we get to honor our veterans and current service members. That’s why we feel it is important that as many people as possible know that today is Armed Forces Day, and what that means.

Armed Forces Day is the result of President Harry Truman’s efforts to unite the country behind the members of the various military branches - the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard - and honor them for the service they gave to this country. On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced that, just as the different branches of the armed forces were unified within the Department of Defense, the different celebrations for each of these branches would be unified under a single day.

That day was determined to be the third Saturday in May, and was first celebrated officially on May 20, 1950 with air shows and parades. In 1961, it was declared a national holiday by President John F. Kennedy. As Armed Forces Day isn’t a federal holiday, military institutions and installations remain open to public viewing, giving us the opportunity to learn more about our military and the brave men and women who have served.

We recommend that you observe this holiday by showing your support however you can - whether that be donating to military-based organizations, sending someone on active duty a care package, or even something as simple as having a conversation with a member of the military.

We frequently host and participate in rides that are dedicated to offering assistance to our veterans and other servicemembers, as well as their families. If you’re interested in joining us, make sure you keep an eye on our events calendar.