Armed Forces Day to be observed on the third Saturday in May
Armed Forces Day, observed on the third Saturday in May, is a special occasion to honor the brave men and women currently serving in the five branches of the U.S. military, as well as the National Guard and Reserve units. The day was established on August 31, 1949, thanks to the efforts of President Harry S. Truman. It was created to provide a unified opportunity for Americans to express their gratitude to the military members for their selfless service to the nation. The establishment of Armed Forces Day followed the unification of the armed forces under the U.S. Department of Defense.