Armed Forces Day 2023
American Cemetery Omaha Beach Photo June 6 2014
This is a departure from our usual blog about travel to help recognize the contribution of our Armed Forces to our Nation.
As many of you know, I served for 20 years as an Infantry officer and was proud to help defend our country.
So, I thought I would provide you some facts about today’s military in my humble salute to the men and women who defend our country and perhaps help you remember the service and sacrifice of those who defend our freedom.
It is probably best to start by explaining the major military recognition celebrations in America and then concentrate on the Armed Forces Day.
There is a lot of confusion to the exact purpose of three major recognition days for all US military members and former members. Armed Forces Day honors those currently serving in the military. Memorial Day honors those who have died while on duty in the military services. Veterans Day is a tribute to all who have previously served in our armed forces.
Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the 3rd Saturday of May, as part of Armed Forces week. It honors the Army, the Air Force, the new Space Force, the Navy, the Marine Corps, and the Coast Guard.
The first 5 service branches are organized under the Department of Defense, while the Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security. There are more than 1.4 million on active service and more than 1.1 million national guard and reservists.
In 1949, Armed Forces Day was first established when the Army, Navy and Air Force were organized under the Department of Defense, instead of each service just marking their own individual recognition day. The Marines did not come under this initial new holiday, and keep their separate celebration. They later joined in. In 1961, Armed Forces Day became a National Holiday.
Each year Armed Forces Day has a unique theme—some past themes are Dedication and Duty, Freedom and Patriotism.
Some Interesting Facts About our Armed Forces
The Department of Defense (DOD) is the largest employer in the US—there are about 1.4 million on active duty, 1.1 million serving in National guard and Reserve units and 700,00 civilians working in the DOD.
Here are the numbers of active duty—Army over 482,000; Navy over 343,000; Air Force over 328,000; Marine Corps over 179,000; Coast Guard over 44,000 and Space Force over 1,600.
Here are the numbers of reserve forces—Army National Guard over 337,000; Army Reserve over 184,000; Air National Guard over 108,000, Air Force Reserve over 70,000, Navy Reserve over 57,000, Marine Corp Reserve over 35,000 and about 7,000 in the Coast Guard Reserve..
31 of 44 Presidents served in the Military—30 were officers (James Buchanan was enlisted) and Teddy Roosevelt earned the Medal of Honor for action in the Spanish-American War.
Within 48 hours, the US Military is capable to reach any place on earth to provide disaster relief and international aid.
Only 28% of American aged 17-23 are eligible to serve in the military.
Many do not realize how few folks served in our military compared to the overall population--.4 percent (1,4 million are currently serving)
Our military is more educated than the general population. 99% of the military have successfully completed their high school education, while only 60% of the general population of the US have a high school diploma.
In many ways, the military has been leaders in our country by desegregating before other public institutions and opening full opportunities to women.
My Final Thoughts
Words do not adequately honor those who served, suffered, died, were wounded and sometimes disabled—they are for the most part the best our society has among its citizens.
They learned to work for a common goal, perform their assigned mission despite harsh conditions, sometimes under hostile fire and responded when no other organization could or would.
They are often deployed for long periods of time, away from their families, who support them during their long hours and often absences. We must also remember their families who support their soldiers, sailors, and airmen.
Please just remember them—maybe attend a parade, display your flag, visit a cemetery, thank a member, or just think about a service member.
Let’s be sure their bravery, strength and sacrifice do not go unnoticed—we owe a debt of gratitude to them and their families to help keep us safe.
Thanks for reading!
Henry Carl “Hank” Schrader, Jr Major (Infantry) Retired
