Posts who commemorate Armed Forces Day on or around May 16 encouraged to share their events on Legiontown.org.
On Aug. 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson – under the leadership of President Harry Truman – announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration was a result of the unification of the U.S. Armed Forces under the Department of Defense and provided a day for citizens to come together and thank the nation’s military members for their service in support of the nation.
Armed Forces Day takes place on May 16 this year. On that day, Americans will find ways to honor current military personnel – and American Legion Family members will lead many of these events.
If your American Legion post, district or department is coordinating or hosting an Armed Forces Day event, please remember to share your photo and story at www.legiontown.org.
The following are a few examples of how American Legion posts are coordinating or leading Armed Forces Day commemorations.
Georgia
In Cumming, Beaver Toyota is hosting an Armed Forces Day BBQ Fundraiser to benefit American Legion Post 307’s veterans and youth programs. The day will include live music from recording artist Jenna Kay.
Iowa
In Des Moines, The American Legion Department of Iowa is conducting its annual Stars Stripes Spirit 5K on Armed Forces Day. Participants have the option of either a 5K Walk/Run or a 1K Walk.
Awards will be presented for first, second and third place in each category, as well as for the most patriotic costumes. The event is used to bring public awareness of the mental and physical health of veterans.
Kansas
In Burlington, American Legion Post 38 is inviting the public to its Armed Forces Day BBQ. The event will take place at Kelley Park and includes hamburgers, hotdogs, brats and chicken.
Michigan
In Lake Fife, Dale H. Wheeler American Legion Post 219 is hosting its fourth annual Armed Forces Day Celebration. The event includes a ceremony, live music, bucket raffles, a 50-50 drawing, silent auction and food and is open to the public.
Nevada
In Hawthorne, American Legion Post 19 is taking part in the city’s 75th annual Armed Forces Day Celebration. On Friday, May 15, Post 19 will host a Family Fun Day Event that will include making cards to send to U.S. servicemembers, games and a bounce house. And on May 17, the post is hosting a Junior Pool Tournament.
The weekend-long Armed Forces Day Celebration also includes various other activities, including a parade and fireworks.
New Jersey
In Neptune, American Legion Post 346 is inviting the public to its Armed Forces Day event that is free to active-duty servicemembers.
Virginia
In Bedford, American Legion Post 54 is coordinating the Armed Forces Day military parade that will honor the U.S. Armed Forces’ 250 years of securing and protecting American’s freedoms. The parade’s theme is “Bedford Remembers 250 Years of Independence”.
Law enforcement organizations, American Legion Riders and Patriot Guard motorcyclists will lead the parade.
Wisconsin
In Appleton, American Legion Post 38 has been celebrating Armed Forces Week with daily specials for active-duty military and veterans:
· May 12 – U.S. Army and Marine Corps personnel/veterans received a free cheeseburger meal.
· May 13 – U.S. Navy personnel/veterans received a free cheeseburger meal.
· May 14 – U.S. Air Force and Space Force personnel/veterans received a free cheeseburger meal.
· May 15 – U.S. Coast Guard personnel/veterans and ALL active-duty servicemembers receive a free fish sandwich meal.
- Honor & Remembrance