May 20th Armed Forces Day

While the idea that we could live in peace without armed forces to protect us is probably a perfect setting, it is an unrealistic one as well. There will always be those that want to harm us, force us to live as they want us to live and do the things they want us to do. Armed Forces allow us to keep our freedom, and often help others to keep their freedoms as well. We celebrate the Army here in the United States, formed in 1775, The Air Force formed in 1947. The Navy formed in 1775 as well as the Marines, the Coast Guard launched in 1790 and our most recent military force, Space Force created in 2019. We celebrate today every third Saturday in may, originally created by Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson on August 31st, 1949 and by Presidential Proclamation under Harry Truman on May 20th, 1950.

How to celebrate – Thank a soldier for all they do. Read about the formation of all the different branches of military service. Become aware of the different armed forces functions.

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August 4th U.S. Coast Guard Day

When we think of the military branches we often leave out the Coast Guard. We think of them more as life saving and water safety, which they do, but the are also charged with protecting our shores during times of war and from drug runners, terrorism and any other threat from the water. They are a part of Homeland Security. The Coast Guard started out as the Revenue Cutter Service, charged with collecting duties from incoming merchant ships. They were formed August 4th, 1790. They became the U.S. Coast Guard service in 1915, during World War 2 they kept our shores safe from submarines while most of the landing craft vehicles were pilots by Coast Guard sailors.

How to celebrate – Thank a Coast Guard Service person when you see them for their service. Learn about the U.S Coast Guard. Visit a Coast Guard base when they are open to the public.

August 4th U.S. Coast Guard Day

The Coast Guard was formed with 10 Cutters on August 4th, 1790. Back then it was called the Revenue Cutter Service and it’s design was to collect revenue from ships coming into port and to protect the home waters of the then original 13 Colonies. In 1915 the name was changed to the U.S. Coast Guard which not only protected the United States home waters but began saving the lives of those in danger on the seas. With the formation of Homeland Security being formed on 2002 the Coast Guard has taken on even more duties and, of course, many more states to protect.

How to celebrate – Read about the Coast Guard history. Read about the convoy duties the Coast Guard had during World War 2. Visit a Coast Guard base. (If they will allow you on base.)

May 15th Armed Forces Day

Each branch of the military celebrates the day they were created. The US Army June 14, 1775, the US Navy October 13, 1775, the Continental Marines November 10, 1775, the US Coast Guard June 28, 1915 and the US Air Force September 18, 1947. However on August 31, 1949 US Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson determined we all needed a day to honor all military service personal which was announced by President Harry Truman on February 20, 1950. It was finalized that all forces had to comply by May 20th, 1950 and this special day was named the 3rd Saturday in May. All service members deserve our thanks for all they have done, and all they will do. Combined, they make a force respected world wide, independent and yet combined in the defense of America and her allies.

How to celebrate – Thank a serviceman/woman for their service to America. Visit a military base. Learn the history of each branch of the military.

August 4th U. S. Coastguard Day

Often the forgotten branch of our military, the Coast Guard was formed on August 4th, 1790 with 10 Cutters. They are charged with protecting our shores and waterways here in the United States. In later history they have become the life saving system for those on the water and the force policing the drug traffic being brought in via our ports and beaches. These brave men and women risk their lives nearly daily to keep the rest of us safe in so many ways. Originally called the Revenue Cutter Service, it was changed in 1915 to the U.S. Coast Guard.

How to celebrate – Thank a Coast Guard service person. Visit a Coast Guard base. Learn all the Coast Guard is responsible for.

May 16th Armed Forces Day

Always celebrated on the 3rd Saturday in May, Armed Forces Day is a day to honor those that serve to protect us and so that the public can get to know how those services operate. Most armed services provide a public viewing of the history of the service’s history at bases set up for the day. Today was set up by a Presidential Proclamation under Harry Truman on Feb 20th, 1950 and was first officially observed on May 20th, 1950. American armed forces include the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines (A part of the navy) and the Coast Guard. These men and women are due our respect and should be honored for their service.

How to celebrate – Visit an open base for Armed Forces Day. Thank a soldier for what they do. Read about what all the branches do to keep us safe.

August 4th National U.S. Coast Guard Day

August 4th National U.S. Coast Guard Day

Today, in 1790, Congress created the Revenue Cutter Service designed to collect tariffs for the government. At first ten ships were ordered and expected to collect tariffs all along the seaboard. As the years continued the Service became the Coast Guard, in 1915, with the duty of protecting the shoreline of America from enemies, both domestic and foreign. Their duties now include rescue and aide to any in need. Though they are often forgotten as a branch of the military, they are equal too.

How to celebrate – Visit a Coast Guard base, make sure it’s open to the public. Thank any Coast Guard service personal you see for their service. Read about the history of the Coast Guard.

August 4th U.S. Coast Guard Day

It is often the forgotten branch of the defense of our country but over the years it has been the single branch of the service solely devoted to the defense of the United States. Created by the U.S. Congress on August 4th, 1790 it was first known as the Revenue Cutter Service, it’s primary duty to ensure all good brought into the country were both legal and subject to tariffs and taxes.

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Originally formed under the guidance of, yes, Alexander Hamilton, (I’m not sure if it’s in the musical “Hamilton” or not but it should be) and evolved from tax and tariff duty to include search and rescue, along with defense. Even though outside of it’s role it did serve sort of as an offensive group during World War 2 as many of the landing craft used to invade our enemies were piloted by Coast Guard trained helmsmen.

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They became the police, and fire rescue of the coastal waterways, rivers and lakes of America. The Revenue Cutter Service was changed to the U.S. Coast Guard in 1915 and today are a vital part of Homeland Security. But most of us know them best for the search and rescue of those in need in the water. They have saved untold thousands of people that would have perished otherwise.

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Like most of the services, they have their own academy where students are educated in various different majors but include service to the Coast Guard. There are many, many unsung heroes that have given their all to help others and keep our country safe. Their motto, “Semper Paratus” meaning “Always Ready”.

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We owe a lot to our men and women of the Coast Guard. They are the most forgotten of all our military services mainly because instead of causing death and destruction, they save and build.

How to celebrate – Read about the history of the Coast Guard. Thank any you see who serve in the Coast guard for their service.  Go see “Hamilton” and see if the Coast Guard is mentioned in the show.

May 28th Memorial Day

May 28th Memorial Day

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Today we remember those who have perished in the defense of our country during their military service. It is the supreme sacrifice in order that others may live free, not something we should take lightly.

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The day came after the Civil War, first known as Decoration Day when Southern families remembered their dead by placing flowers and other decoration on the graves. Since 1971 it has been known better as Memorial Day.

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How to celebrate – Remember the fallen who fell for you. Visit the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Honor those who still serve in the military.

May 19th Armed Forces Day

Today we celebrate those branches of military service that have served our country since it began. The day was created by Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson on August 31, 1949. It was signed into law by President Harry Truman on February 20, 1950. Finally beginning to be celebrated later that same year on May 19th.

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Prior to today, each branched celebrate their own birthdays, such as the US Army who formed in 1775. Obviously they were around for the American Revolution and have served as the main battle force ever since.

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The Navy formed the same year since the Revolutionary  War took to the seas as well as on land. Ill prepared, the US Navy did a tremendous job with the few ships they had in service.

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The Marines formed as well in 1775, serving primarily aboard the ships as sharpshooters and landing forces. Since then the Marines have been the first to arrive in nearly every military engagement America has been involved in.

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To many people’s surprise, the US Air Force did not form in 1947. Prior to that it was a part of the US Army. Today it is a major strike force and a very deterrent defense against aggressors. During World War 2 the air force (Army) were among the few forces that could actually win against the mighty German Tiger tanks.

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And far too often forgotten is the US Coast Guard. These men and women are known more for saving lives on the seas but it is their job to protect our borders from drugs, other illegal substances and invaders. While the US Navy is charged with foreign service it is the Coast Guard who keep watch at home.

How to celebrate – Thank those who serve, and have served, in our military forces. Study the history of each branch more closely. Be proud to be an American.