The first Armed Forces Day was marked by parades, air shows and nearly 10,000 troops from all branches of the military marching in Washington, DC.
On May 16, the celebration will be marked again in cities around the country honoring men and women currently serving in the military, veterans of service and those who have given their lives for their country.
In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for instance, City Island will be made over into a sprawling military base to host the day’s activities.
According to the Carlisle Sentinel, the day will include military displays, living history demonstrations, exhibits and information booths to give families an idea about the people serving in the military, the exercises and missions they carry out and the technology used to protect the country.
But Harrisburg’s event will be more than just a celebration. There will be important resources on hand to help veterans returning from service, says the newspaper.
Veterans Resource Central will have staff on hand to help returning service men and women find jobs and build a new career outside of the military. Members of the state’s Veterans of Foreign Wars organization will also be present to help people sort through the process of applying for government benefits and other support programs, noted the Carlisle Sentinel.
Armed Forces Day originated in 1949 when then secretary of defense Louis Johnson announced one united holiday to replace individual celebrations previously held for the Army, Navy and Air Force. This coincided with the creation of the Department of Defense as the overarching group responsible for all branches of the military.
According to the Defense Department, the theme of the first Armed Forces Day was Teamed for Defense. This year, United in Strength is the mantra for the celebration.