The end of the month of May has been a period designated to thank military members for their
patriotic service. The second Saturday in May is the beginning of Armed Forces Week, and the
third Sunday of May (or the fourth Sunday if the month begins on a Sunday) ends the special week
with Armed Forces Day.
History
Therefore, President Harry S. Truman establish a holiday to thank military members, and announced the
development of Armed Forces Day in 1949, and it was celebrated for the first time on May 20,
1950. The day is meant to honor Americans serving in the U.S. military branches: U.S. Army,
U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps. U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard.
Celebrating Armed Forces Day
Often the day is celebrated with parades, air shows, receptions, and other local events.
Chattanooga, TN, hosts the longest continuously running Armed Forces Day Parade. In 2023,
the city will celebrate the 74th consecutive parade! Way to go Chattanooga!
If your workplace has active or retired U.S military service members or family members with service
members, thanking them for their service to our nation is a wonderful thing. Here are
some ideas for your organization:
- Host a lunch, BBQ, or potluck in honor of service members and their families. Chili or cookie competition, anyone?
- Fly a flag on your building, or properly set one or a few in the building.
- Whether with a card or gift, say “Thank you” to those who are serving or have served.
- Interview service members or their family members and listen to their stories.
- Search for and attend an Armed Forces Day event nearby.
- Invite employees to come up with other ideas.
Additionally, all employees like to be appreciated. Taking some time to express thanks to those who
have/are serving the country is a unique focus, but also one everyone can participate in. Furthermore, looking for opportunities to
thank and celebrate can help bring a culture tighter together, which improves culture and performance but is also just a good
human thing to do. At FIT HR we enjoy helping organizations improve their cultures and workplaces. Finally, if your place of
work could use some help, we would enjoy the opportunity to discuss working with you on your
challenges. Send us an email at engagement@fullyhr.com or give us a call at 425-293-1144