AFA Celebrates Armed Forces Day

May 15, 2020

AFA Celebrates Armed Forces Day

A Message from AFA’s President Orville Wright

May 16th, our nation celebrates Armed Forces Day. This year marks 70 years since the first time Americans recognized the innumerable contributions of our Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marines with parades, events, and public gatherings on Armed Forces Day.

This year is different. A global pandemic and the wisdom of our national, state, and local leaders precludes mass celebrations to cheer on and recognize our heroes in uniform. And yet, at the same time, we have something new to celebrate this year, something that has been a long-time coming: Our brand-new United States Space Force.

Armed Forces Day was first declared in 1949 and celebrated the following May. By then, our Air Force was almost three years old, though its legacy dated back decades. Likewise, our Space Force may be new and bright, but its mission and its wonders have been long in the works, delivering vital communications and intelligence, early warning, and critical capability for ensuring the security of the United States and our Allies.

On this Armed Forces Day, whether you are secured at home, out on a walk, or answering the call to work, let us all take a moment to appreciate those who answer that higher calling to public service, who raise their right hands to swear an oath of allegiance, and put life and limb on the line to serve their beloved nation.