Honoring Our Soldiers and Military Families on Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day
"This will remain the land of the free so long as it is the home of the brave." -- Elmer Davis
Thanks to President Harry S. Truman, we have Armed Forces Day. The third Saturday of May is a day to pay tribute to men and women who are currently serving in the United States' armed forces.
On Aug. 31, 1949, Defense Secretary Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the armed forces under one agency -- the Department of Defense. In a speech announcing the creation of the day, President Truman "praised the work of the military services at home and across the seas." He said, "It is vital to the security of the nation and to the establishment of a desirable peace."
In an excerpt from the Presidential Proclamation of Feb. 27, 1950, Truman stated "Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, marks the first combined demonstration by America's defense team of its progress, under the National Security Act, toward the goal of readiness for any eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense."
Memorial Day, on the other hand, is a US federal holiday mourning the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces. Between 1868 and 1970 it was observed on May 30th. But in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. The change went into effect in 1971. The same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday.
Although Memorial Day conjures images of hamburgers, hot dogs, swimming pools, and summertime or many Americans, the last Monday in May serves, most importantly, as a time to honor those who died while fighting in the U.S. Armed Forces. It’s a holiday steeped in somber American history and tradition. The day actually began as “Decoration Day,” following the Civil War, when mourners placed flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers. Memorial Day has also come to signify the “unofficial” start of summer, but let’s remember the heroes who made it all possible.
For our military friends and family - We thank you so much for the many sacrifices you have made and are making. We cannot even begin to imagine how incredibly strong you must be. We are so grateful for you and your loved one(s) who are serving our country and protecting our great nation. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you have done and continue to do.
”Heroism doesn’t always happen in a burst of glory. Sometimes small triumphs and large hearts change the course of history." Mary Roach
The Mission of Franke Tobey Jones
To enrich and extend the quality of life for seniors in our community. As a not-for-profit organization, we provide senior residential services, a supportive continuum of care and innovative community outreach.