Armed Forces Day. Memorial Day. Flag Day. Independence Day. Labor Day. Veterans Day. As Americans, we celebrate dozens of patriotic holidays throughout the year, especially during May which is Military Appreciation Month. And while many of these holidays are clear enough on their purpose and intention, a few can get confusing, especially for citizens who are not as familiar with the military as those who have served or who have family in the service.

With the help of some historical tidbits, we can break these down for a better understanding and some clarity.

Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day is recognized on the third Saturday in May, at the end of Armed Forces Week.

First observed on 20 May 1950, the day was created “to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank military members for their patriotic service in support of the republic and national interests and as an undeniable fact of American life” (source: Wikipedia). It served to replace the distinct branches’ days as the armed forces had been consolidated under the recently-established Department of Defense (May 1947). The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated by parades, open houses, receptions, and air shows.

In an excerpt from the Presidential Proclamation of 27 Feb 1950, Truman stated:

“Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, marks the first combined demonstration by America’s defense team of its progress, under the National Security Act, toward the goal of readiness for any eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense.” (source: Military.com)

This helps clarify that Armed Forces Day is for recognizing, honoring, and celebrating American citizens who are currently serving in our Armed Forces.

Just on the other side of the mountains from us, Bremerton is home to the longest-running Armed Forces Day parade, established in 1948. Next year, 2025, will mark the 75th Armed Forces Day.

Since we don’t have an active military base nearby, and only a small reserve unit here, we don’t typically have events for Armed Forces Day in our area. Should we start a new tradition?

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is recognized on the last Monday in May, and dates back to the years immediately following the Civil War.

On 5 May 1866, the town of Waterloo, New York, formalized this ritual of placing spring flower memorials on the graves of fallen soldiers and hosted a city-wide “Decoration Day,” encouraging its citizens to create memorials on soldiers’ graves with flags and flowers. A few years later in 1868, Gen. John A. Logan declared that the first-ever national Decoration Day should take place on May 30, as the date was a neutral day for both sides of the Civil War to honor their fallen soldiers. (source: USO.org)

On 20 May 1868, over 5,000 first-ever National Decoration Day participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Over the next few decades, the day transitioned from being called Decoration Day to its current name of Memorial Day and was formalized to the last Monday in May. Today it continues to be a day to remember those who died while serving their country.

While we do not host a parade here in Wenatchee, there are multiple ceremonies held around the Valley throughout the day. Our Post is actively involved with these alongside other Veterans and Military organizations in the area.

Veterans Day

Veterans Day, originally Armistice Day, is recognized on 11 November each year.

In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I, then known as “the Great War.” One year later, in November 1919, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. The day’s observation included parades and public gatherings, as well as a brief pause in business and school activities at 11 a.m. This “moment of silence” is still carried out each year in ceremonies around the country.

On 4 June 1926, Congress passed a resolution that the “recurring anniversary of [November 11, 1918] should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations,” and that the president should issue an annual proclamation calling for the observance of Armistice Day (source: History.com).

Originally set aside as a day for peace and maintaining international relations after the end of military hostilities, it took on new meaning as the world re-engaged in war, both in World War II and the Korean War.  After that it was apparent the holiday should recognize veterans of all wars. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day, as it is currently known today, to honor all veterans — living or dead — who have served our nation.

Today, Veterans Day is most often observed with parades and ceremonies. The annual Veterans Day parade in Wenatchee, hosted by American Legion Post 10, is open to all, takes place on Veterans Day, and follows the same route each year. Many business have also taken to offering discounts or free items to Veterans on this day.