Armed Forces Day is May 16

By: J. Werner

| Published 05/15/2015

May is celebrated as Military Appreciation Day for good reason. Among the days we honor our military service members include May 8, Victory in Europe (VE) Day, Armed Forces Day celebrated today, May 16, and Memorial Day, the only federal holiday, which is celebrated on the last Monday of the month, which will be May 25.

All military branches to be honored Memorial Day with dedication of Veterans Memorial Monument.

Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month in 1999 to ensure the nation was given the opportunity to publically demonstrate their appreciation for the sacrifices and successes made by our service members - past and present.

In turn, the third Saturday in May is designated as Armed Forces Day, created in 1949 to to honor Americans serving in the five U.S. military branches (alphabetically): the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, and the U.S. Navy, following the consolidation of the military services under the U.S. Department of Defense.

Although a separate celebration will not be held on Armed Forces Day in The Woodlands, all military branches will be honored on Memorial Day with the unveiling and dedication of the Veterans Memorial Monument in Town Green Park,in addition to “The Way Home” sculpture of which the renown sculptor, Edd Hayes, was commissioned. The dedication will take place on the east side of Town Green Park at 4:00 p.m. Monday, May 25, 2015. The sculpture will be dedicated to all active-duty personnel and to veterans of all military branches and conflicts, as a permanent way to honor those who have served.

Several veterans’ organizations, as well as a military care package drop-off booth, will be at the event. Please click here for a list of recommended items to donate. The event will feature patriotic music, speakers, and light refreshments provided by H-E-B. Veterans will receive a commemorative challenge coin while supplies last.

The public is cordially invited to attend and pay their respects to those who are currently serving in the military, veterans who have served, and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.