SA Armed Forces Day - PE, 21 Feb 2016
Sarah Taddeo, Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat and Chronicle , KPNX 9:14 PM. MST May 21, 2016
American flag. (Photo: SilverV, Getty Images/iStockphoto)
(USA TODAY) - Citizens will honor theirU.S. service membersSaturday as all branches of the military celebrate Armed Forces Day,established by the federal government in 1949.
National Armed Forces Day is celebrated each year on the third Saturday in May.
Across the country, many Americans recognize the day with parades, celebrations and some businesses offer discounts for service members and veterans.
Prior to the creation of the holiday, there wereseparate, single-day holidays for four branchesof the U.S.military.
President Harry Truman"s administration announced the new holiday in 1949 and the first one was held on May 20, 1950.Other countries, including Australia and Russia, celebrate the holiday as well.
PHOTOS: Remembering military service on Armed Forces Day
Copyright 2016 KPNX
Source: http://www.12news.com/news/may-21-is-armed-forces-day/208623258
