Do You Know?

National Guard Bureau

WASHINGTON, April 29, 1998 – When is Armed Forces Day traditionally celebrated?
The third Saturday in May
(National Guard and reserve units can celebrate any time in May)

When was Armed Forces Day actually created?
Aug. 31, 1949, by Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson

What did Armed Forces Day take the place of?
Separate Army, Navy and Air Force days

What president issued the proclamation establishing Armed Forces Day?
President Harry Truman, Feb. 17, 1950

What was the theme for the first Armed Forces Day?
"Teamed for Defense"
(Chosen to emphasize the unification of all military services under a single department)