May 16, 2020 – Armed Forces Day.
It is celebrated each year on the third Saturday in May.
The theme for 2019 was “For the Nation. For the People.”
Other Facts
Each year there is a theme. The theme of the first Armed Services Day was “Teamed for Defense.”
It is celebrated with military exercises on land, sea and in the air to honor members of the US military and to show off their state-of-the-art equipment to the civilian population it protects.
Military installations are generally open on that day as it is not a federal holiday.
Timeline
August 31, 1949 – Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announces the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace current, separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force holidays.
February 27, 1950 – Truman proclaims — “Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, marks the first combined demonstration by America’s defense team of its progress, under the National Security Act, towards the goal of readiness for any eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense.”
May 20, 1950 – Armed Forces Day is first celebrated.
– Daily observances and festivities take place nationwide starting a week before the holiday.
– B-36 bombers fly over the capitals of every state.
– 10,000 troops and veterans march in Washington, DC.
– More than 36,000 participants in a parade in New York City.
– Parades, air shows, receptions and other celebrations also take place.