ARMED FORCES DAY
In the U.S., if you do not fly your flag everyday, here is a special occasion to put out the sign of your patriotism! In 1949, President Truman decided to consolidate the individual Army, Navy, Marine, etc. days into one as a means of signifying the unification of all the military forces under a single government. (The Marines did not give up their day, but also celebrate AFD.)
The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated on Saturday, 20 May 1950. Armed Forces Week begins on the second Saturday of May and ends on the third Sunday of May. Due to their unique schedules, the National Guard and the Reserve units may celebrate AFD/Week any time in May.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1953 – “Today let us, as Americans, honor the American fighting man. For it is he – the soldier, the sailor, the Airman, the Marine – who has fought to preserve freedom.”
Posted on May 18, 2013, in Uncategorized, WWII and tagged Airborne, Army, Eisenhower, family history, History, Marines, Military, Navy, nostalgia, Pacific War, veterans, WWII. Bookmark the permalink. 46 Comments.
Pacific Paratrooper 
Not being an American I can of course not share in your sentiments on the Armed Forces day. BUT, as a citizen of a free world I must pay my high respects to the Americans, the Brits, French and many other free nation soldiers and veterans who are fighting/had fought for the free world’s right to exist against the enemy in evil countries. I salute them all.
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Thank you very much for your respectful comments. I’m sorry, but I’ve forgotten which country you are in, but just about the entire globe was involved in WWII in some way – I’m sure something of yours comes to mind.
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thanks for the wonderful work that you are doing
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All the work is a pleasure, I get the thrill when a reader like you tells me that I’ve touched them. Thank you for your comment.
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Thanks for reminding us about Armed Forces Day, I flew combat in Vietnam and since the 1970s, it seems to have been lost to many Americans.
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Thank you for your service, I lost way too many friends over in Nam. I insist that people not only remember, but get their stories down.
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Nicely done, soldier.
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I’ll accept the compliment on their behalf. Thank you.
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Very nice history information!
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Thanks, Koji.
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I’d hate to think where we’d be without the men and women who have sacrificed so much for this country and its citizens.
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I agree. I’ve often thought about it and each time, the scenario does not turn out well.
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I have nominated you for the Epically Awesome Award! See my blog post tomorrow:
homethoughtsfromabroad626.wordpress.com
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I am really sorry, but I will be refusing. As I have told previous offers – I want this site to be entirely for those troops. I feel the awards are chain letters and do not truly belong in a tribute. I hope I haven’t offended you – I am honored that you thought of me when you were making up your list.
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What a wonderful tribute. A big thank you to you and to others who have served our country with honor and dignity. My father-in-law was in the Air Corps of the Army in WWII. I don’t have any more particulars than that, though.
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Thank you. What a shame you don’t have more on your father-in-law, no one in the family remembers?
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It was only that we found his name online that we realized he was in the air corps and that it was part of the army. He used to tell us stories about being thrown in the brig all the time ;), but he didn’t really explain the ins and outs. I have a photocopy of a picture of him in the leather jacket, etc. I wonder how i could find out more for my husband.
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You can try the National Archives I don’t suppose you have his service number or unit info? There were 16-18 million records burned in a fire at the St. Louis office, so don’t get too excited, but many are still there – anything is worth a try.
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I salute you and all veterans! You make me proud. I also agree with Judy’s comment above. God bless you all.
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Yes, true. Judy does have a wonderful way with expression of emotion.
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I will click on it too. Ours here for armed forces is 25th April Anzac day.
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I read up on ANZAC Day and clicked as many likes as I could – they ALL need to be remembered!
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Thank you so very much for your service and site. I appreciate the flag with emblems and the AFD poster. I saved them for Facebook, if it is OK to do so, and when used, credit will be given. (Let me know if it is not OK to used these.) Blessings!
Grace Scott (USMCR Vietnam Era)
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You go right ahead and use them Scott. Those emblems are American. And thank you for your service.
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I believe it is our responsibility to remind those in this generation and those generations to come of the ultimate sacrifice made by the men and women so that they can live freely in this world now.
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So true, Judy. But, today, very few of the younger generations actually ‘get it.’
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Old Glory flies here every day, but I usually also fly the 48-star on Armed Forces Day. I’m bummed this year, one of the grommets is trying to pull out, so it’s under repair as we speak. Gotta have her ready for the start of June – lots of World War 2 dates to mark!
An excellent reminder, good job.
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Thanks for viewing and flying the flag – keep your calender handy.
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Country leaders need soldiers to die for them and the upper class, don’t they?
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The human race has always fought and as long as politicians enjoy the power it gives them – yes – every country needs their soldiers.
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Reblogged this on Nuffan But A Blog.
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I am honored that you have chosen my post to re-blog. Thank you.
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Reblogged this on Gadaboutblogalot's Blog and commented:
Thanks to Pacific Paratrooper for this tribute!
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It was my pleasure. The least I can do for people who make certain I live here and free.
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How wonderful to have this special day.
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It helps to round out a service orientated month, doesn’t it?!
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Salute!
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Right back at ya!!
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A reblogué ceci sur Lest We Forget and commented:
One of my favorite post on my blog Lest We Forget
It’s about William Lagasse a doughboy,,, from Bristol, Connecticut
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Thank you, Pierre, a loyal friend indeed.
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One of my favorite post on my blog Lest We Forget
It’s about William Lagasse a doughboy,,, from Bristol, Connecticut
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Terrific story, hope some of my readers click on to it as well. The more stories we have here, the informative the site – plus – they all need to be remembered.
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Sharing this also…
He was William’s brother.
True story again.
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Another great post and interesting story. Thank you.
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