BY HOLLY LEBEJKO
FAMILY & MWR MARKETING
There are many misunderstandings about certain holidays honoring our military service members. Here are some tips to know whether you are celebrating, honoring or remembering during these government holidays. ARMED FORCES DAY Honoring those currently serving in the Armed Forces. What: Armed Forces Day was created in 1949 by the Secretary of Defense, Louis Johnson. It replaced separate days that honored various branches of the military (Army, Air Force and Navy) and was intended to “expand public understanding of what type of job is performed and the role of the military in civilian life.” Armed Forces Day is celebrated with parades, displaying the flag and often by volunteering or making donations. Who: All who currently serve and all who have served, both active and former, in the reserves, National Guard or on active duty, including the Coast Guard. When: The third Saturday in May. Extra Fact: Why is Armed Forces Day in May? Armed Forces Day lands right in the heart of National Military Appreciation Month. It begins May 1 with Loyalty Day and includes Public Service Recognition Week – a week to celebrate government employees, Victory in Europe Day (VE), Military Spouse Appreciation Day, and Armed Forces Week (the third week in May), leading up to Armed Forces Day. The month of military appreciation concludes with Memorial Day. MEMORIAL DAY Honoring those who died in military service.
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When: The last Monday in May. What: Memorial Day was originally known as
Decoration Day. The holiday roots back to the post-Civil War era when citizens would informally create spring flower memorials on the graves of fallen Soldiers. Today, it is celebrated annually on the last Monday in May to honor those who gave their lives in military service to our nation. The wearing of red poppies is a common way to honor those who have passed. Extra Fact: The practice of wearing of poppies takes its origin from the poem, “In Flanders Fields,” written in 1915 by John McCrae. VETERANS DAY Honoring all living or deceased who served in the military, whether in peace or wartime. When: Celebrated annually on Nov. 11. What: Veterans Day is formerly known as Armistice Day. It coincides with similar observances in Great Britain, Australia and Canada that all commemorate the armistice that went into effect on Nov. 11, 1918, ending the fighting between the Allies and Germany. In the U.S., Veterans Day specifically honors all former members of the U.S. military. The proper spelling is, “Veterans Day.” It does not include an apostrophe, but does include an ‘s’ at the end of veterans, because it is not a day that belongs to one veteran, it is a day for honoring all veterans. Extra Fact: Why do some schools close and others remain in session on Veterans Day? There is no legal requirement that schools close on Veterans Day, individual states or school districts are free to establish their own policies on school closings.
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