If you’ve been wondering, is it Armed Forces Day today? — the answer this year is yes. Armed Forces Day falls on Saturday, May 16, the third Saturday in May. Today is that day, and communities across the United States are coming together to honor the brave men and women currently serving in the U.S. military.
What Is Armed Forces Day?
Armed Forces Day is a U.S. observance dedicated to honoring every person actively serving in the nation’s military branches — the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard, including the National Guard and Reserve components.
Unlike Veterans Day, which honors all who have served, or Memorial Day, which remembers those who died in service, Armed Forces Day is specifically for those in uniform right now — active-duty service members who dedicate their lives to protecting American freedoms every single day.
When Is Armed Forces Day? Date, Schedule & History
Armed Forces Day is observed on the third Saturday of every May. This year it falls on Saturday, May 16.
The holiday has a rich history rooted in military unification:
- July 26, 1947 — President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act, unifying the military branches under one Department of Defense.
- August 31, 1949 — Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson officially announced the creation of Armed Forces Day to replace the separate Army Day, Navy Day, and Air Force Day celebrations.
- May 20, 1950 — Armed Forces Day was celebrated for the very first time. The theme was “Teamed for Defense,” reflecting the new unity of America’s military. In Washington D.C. alone, more than 10,000 troops, cadets, and veterans marched past President Truman.
- March 18, 1961 — President John F. Kennedy signed Presidential Proclamation 3399, officially declaring Armed Forces Day a national holiday on every third Saturday in May.
As President Truman stated during that landmark first celebration: “Armed Forces Day 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.”
Is Armed Forces Day a Federal Holiday?
This is a common point of confusion. Armed Forces Day is not a federal public holiday — meaning banks, post offices, and most businesses remain open. However, it is a significant national observance. Many military installations open their gates to the public, and events are held in cities and towns across the country.
It is part of the broader Armed Forces Week, which begins on the second Saturday of May and concludes on Armed Forces Day itself.
Armed Forces Day Celebrations Today (May 16)
Communities nationwide are marking today with a wide range of events:
- Parades — One of the nation’s longest-running Armed Forces Day parades takes place in Bremerton, Washington. The 78th Annual Berks County Armed Forces Day Parade is also being held today in Wyomissing and West Reading, Pennsylvania along Penn Avenue, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
- Air shows and flyovers — Military installations frequently host open houses and aerial demonstrations for the public.
- Ceremonies at memorials and cemeteries — Buglers perform Taps in honor of fallen soldiers at many official gatherings.
- Educational exhibits — Civilians get the opportunity to interact with military personnel face-to-face and explore the history of each branch.
- Nevada County Airport Event — Nevada County, California is hosting a free, all-ages Armed Forces Day event from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., where attendees can connect with representatives from all branches of the armed forces.
Blue Star Museums: A Special Gift Starting Today
One of the most meaningful Armed Forces Day traditions launches every year on this date. The Blue Star Museums program — a collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the Department of Defense — begins today, May 16, and runs through Labor Day, September 7.
This year, over 2,000 museums across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are offering free admission to active-duty military personnel and up to five family members. Participating venues include art museums, history museums, children’s museums, botanical gardens, zoos, and aquariums.
Eligible ID cards include a Geneva Convention Common Access Card (CAC), DD Form 1173, or Next Generation Uniformed Services ID. Spouses and dependents can use the program even when their service member is deployed.
Military Appreciation Month: Discounts for Service Members
Armed Forces Day falls in the middle of National Military Appreciation Month (May), and many businesses are offering special deals today and throughout the month, including:
- Free appetizers at select restaurants with a valid military ID on May 16.
- SeaWorld Waves of Honor offering complimentary single-day admission for active-duty military and up to three dependents.
- Disney World special military salute tickets available through December 18.
- National Parks free lifetime passes for veterans and free annual passes for active-duty military and dependents.
- Under Armour offering 20% off online purchases for active-duty military, veterans, and retirees.
- Stanley running a special 30% military discount throughout May.
- 7-Eleven offering up to 15 cents off per gallon at the pump for verified military members.
- Sleep Number providing an extra 5% discount on smart beds through June 14.
Armed Forces Day Around the World
While the U.S. observance falls in May, several other nations also honor their military forces with dedicated days of celebration, each with their own dates and traditions — including the United Kingdom, which celebrates its own Armed Forces Day on the last Saturday of June (this year, June 27). The UK’s Armed Forces Day was established in 2009, evolving from Veterans’ Day, which was first held in 2006 at the initiative of then-Chancellor Gordon Brown.
How to Honor Armed Forces Day Today
You don’t need to attend a parade to make the day meaningful. Here are some simple, heartfelt ways to show your support:
- Fly an American flag outside your home or business.
- Thank a service member — in person, by call, or via a hand-written note.
- Visit a Blue Star Museum for free if you or a family member serves.
- Share on social media using the hashtag #ArmedForcesDay to spread awareness.
- Volunteer with a veteran-support organization or donate to a military family charity.
- Attend a local event — check your community calendar for parades, ceremonies, and military displays near you.
Armed Forces Day vs. Veterans Day vs. Memorial Day
| Holiday | Who Is Honored | Federal Holiday? | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Forces Day | Currently serving military | No | 3rd Saturday in May |
| Veterans Day | All who have served | Yes | November 11 |
| Memorial Day | Those who died in service | Yes | Last Monday in May |
Final Thought
Today, approximately 1.34 million active-duty service members are stationed across the United States and around the world, often far from home and family. Armed Forces Day is a reminder that their sacrifice deserves more than passing appreciation — it deserves intention, gratitude, and action.
So yes — it is Armed Forces Day today. Make it count.
Drop a comment below to share how you’re honoring Armed Forces Day this year — or subscribe to stay updated on military observances, discounts, and community events throughout the year!