APFN

May 17 - Armed Forces Day

Sat May 17 16:59:28 2003
208.152.73.113

Sat, May. 17, 2003

Today's holiday, and what it means
JEFF ELDER - jelder@charlotteobserver.com
http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/news/5882172.htm

Q. I see on my calendar that today is Armed Forces Day. Exactly what is this holiday?


So many American service men and women have been overseas lately, I found these words poignant:

"It is our most earnest hope that those who are in positions of peril, that those who have made exceptional sacrifices, yes, and those who are afflicted with plain drudgery and boredom, may somehow know that we hold them in exceptional esteem."

Those words were published 51 years ago today in the New York Times to mark Armed Forces Day.

On Aug. 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate days for the Army, Navy and Air Force. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under the Department of Defense.

Saturday, May 20, 1950, was the first Armed Forces Day. The holiday is celebrated each year on the third Saturday of May.

That first holiday was marked with parades and air shows. In Washington, 10,000 troops of all branches of the military, cadets, and veterans marched past President Harry Truman. In Berlin, 1,000 U.S. troops paraded for the German citizens at Templehof Airfield. In New York, an estimated 33,000 people turned out for a flyover by 250 military planes of all types.

"It is fitting and proper that we devote one day each year to paying special tribute to those whose constancy and courage constitute one of the bulwarks guarding the freedom of this nation and the peace of the free world." President Dwight Eisenhower, who knew something about soldiering, said that on Armed Forces Day 50 years ago.

I don't know anything about soldiering. But I can tell you a story about appreciation.

When I was working for the Stars and Stripes newspaper in Germany in the mid-'90s, I got to know a lot of service members. They were my co-workers and neighbors and friends. As a civilian, I was always a little apart. To be honest, I didn't mind keeping my own hours and wearing my favorite old clothes.

One sunny Saturday I took my little boy for ice cream on the Cambrai Fritsch post in Darmstadt. On our way home, we stopped to watch a small ceremony for a unit that was being deployed to the Balkans.

Most of the young men and women who were headed down range were in their early 20s, some even younger. With their buzz cuts, they looked like kids. They were from the South, Puerto Rico, New York, California, Texas, all over.

They were headed off on a confusing peacekeeping assignment. Many policy experts are hard-pressed, even today, to explain exactly what the goals were. Privately some of the troops conceded that they were a bit confused. They had not envisioned this when they joined up.

This was after the major drawdown in Europe, when many Cold War troops were sent home. Resources were scarce. The post looked a little ragged. The trim on the buildings was no longer white. Many buildings were empty.

To honor the departing troops, a few lackluster fireworks were sent up. They popped into unconvincing colors and disappeared. A flag flapped loudly in the wind. Everyone looked a little uncomfortable.

Then, crackling from two metal speakers atop tall poles, came one of the most stirring sounds I've ever heard: Ray Charles singing "America the Beautiful."

Maybe it was the voice of that great American, taking on faith the inspiration of purple mountain majesties. Or maybe it was the sudden realization of what these young people were doing: Going where their country needed them, without squawking. Going to do a tough job. Representing their country.

Maybe it was just their young spouses trying not to cry.

As Ray Charles wailed out "and crowned thy good with brotherhood ..." I realized that I felt a deep debt of gratitude.

Americans of every generation devote their lives -- and sometimes give their lives -- to preserve the values our country is built on.

Today and Memorial Day, in your own way, say thank you.

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Armed Forces Day

Kenneth L. Vardon, Radioman, U.S. Navy 1956-1969
 

Armed Forces Day honors veterans

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