Governor Haslam Proclaims May 19 Armed Forces Day
Friday, May 18, 2012 | 03:00am
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and state Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder today announced May 19, 2012 is Armed Forces Day. The single day celebration was created to signify the unification of the Armed Forces under one federal department; the Department of Defense.
President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for Americans to come together and thank our troops for their patriotic service in support of our country. On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of Armed Forces Day to replace separate days to honor the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force.
The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated on May 20, 1950. The tradition continues on the third Saturday of May each year, as the country pauses to recognize all active duty men and women serving in every branch of the United States military.
“Every chance we get we should thank the men and women currently serving in our Armed Forces for their commitment and sacrifice,” Grinder said. “It is incredible to see the continued patriotism and willingness to voluntarily serve, despite the dangers our troops face. I am proud of the service members representing our state and country.”
Tennessee State Veterans Homes Director Ed Harries will present Governor Haslam’s proclamation at the Tennessee State Veterans’ Home in Murfreesboro today at 2:00 p.m CDT. TDVA Assistant Commissioner Don Smith will present the proclamation at the 5th Annual Armed Forces Day Celebration in Morristown at Cherokee Park at 9:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday, May 19.
The Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs is organized to accomplish its mission of serving Tennessee's veterans and their families with dignity and compassion, and being their principle advocate in ensuring they receive the care, support, earned entitlements, and recognition they earned in service to our nation. For more information, visit the department’s web site at www.tn.gov/veteran, facebook/myTDVA or twitter @TNDVA.