Armed Forces Day in New Jersey

May 14, 8:25 PMNewark Holidays ExaminerNoreen Braman

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(c)2009 Noreen Braman

In 1949, the United States Armed Forces were united under one government entity, the newly-created Department of Defense. Until that time, each military leauge had been promoting and celebrating an annual "Day" to honor its members. When Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced an official Armed Forces Day, the separate celebrations and observances were dropped by all branches of the service except the Marine Corps League who continues to observe Marine Corps Day as well as Armed Forces Day.

According to the US Department of Defense, "Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May. Armed Forces Week begins on the second Saturday of May and ends on the third Sunday of May, the day after Armed Forces Day. Because of their unique training schedules, National Guard and Reserve units may celebrate Armed Forces Day/Week over any period in May." In 2009 Armed Forces Day is officially celebrated on May 16.

The theme for 2009 is "United in Strength" and you can read more about the history of Armed Forces Day on the Department of Defense website. http://www.defenselink.mil/afd/military/history.html

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