A Day For Appreciation - Armed Forces Day, May 20

The Ledger ^ | 5/20/06

[bnelson44]

Today is Armed Forces Day. It never seems to get the attention it deserves -probably because it's not a three-day holiday, like Memorial Day. That it is able to keep its focus is one of its appealing qualities.

It comes after Easter and a week before Memorial Day's long weekend of commemorations, which tend to overshadow Armed Forces Day's arrival a week before.

Indeed, when President Bill Clinton appeared at Andrews Air Force Base on Armed Forces Day 2000, he used his speech to highlight a national initiative to "put the memorial back into Memorial Day" by observing a moment of remembrance.

[bnelson44]

Happy Armed Forces Day

http://www.defenselink.mil/afd/

[bnelson44]

[hsalaw]

Pause to remember, and pray for our troops on this and all other days.

[Fudd Fan]

A TRADITION OF HEROES

This Saturday, 20 May, is Armed Forces Day, first set aside in 1949 by President Harry Truman to recognize the unification of the Armed Forces under the Department of Defense and to acknowledge the extraordinary dedication of America's uniformed Patriots standing ready in harm's way at home and around the world.

In the words of President Dwight Eisenhower, "It is fitting and proper that we devote one day each year to paying special tribute to those whose constancy and courage constitute one of the bulwarks guarding the freedom of this nation and the peace of the free world."

Since the opening shots of the American Revolution on 19 April 1775, American Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coastguardsmen have plowed the ground for freedom. We remain the proud and the free because they remain on post today. For this, we, the American People, offer our heartfelt thanks.

[proudmilitarymrs]

My many thanks and the undying gratitude of my entire family for all who serve.