Armed Forces Day - May 21

Armed Forces Day - 21st May

Up until 1950 each of the United States military leagues were honored separately. There was an Army Day, a Navy Day, and an Air Force Day. On August 31, 1949 Louis Johnson, the then Secretary of Defense, consolidated these three holidays because the army, navy and air force had been combined under the single title of Department of Defense.

Armed Forces Day is held on the third Saturday in May and its purpose is three-fold; to celebrate the unification of the military, to educate civilians about the Armed Forces, and to honor all of the Americans who serve.

This year it seems particularly important to highlight this special day and pay our respects to those who serve America. Whatever your individual opinion about the events in Iraq it must be remembered that a great many young men and women are stationed a long way from home this year. For many left at home these current events will inevitably bring back memories of other recent conflicts such as the first Gulf War, Vietnam, Korea, and World War II.

So, to all those who are serving the country at this moment in time and those who have served in the past may we give thanks and appreciation for your bravery, dedication, and willingness to protect the beliefs and values that we all hold so dear.

In recognition of Armed Forces Day I've put together a special day of shows for Saturday that all have a military or war-time theme.

Happy listening my friends