Honoring Our Heroes on Armed Forces Day & Memorial Day
- thebluerosestudio
- May 15
- 4 min read
As May unfolds, the American calendar reminds us of two solemn yet proud observances: Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day. Though often confused or merged in casual conversation, each holiday holds a distinct purpose rooted in gratitude and remembrance. Understanding their histories, their evolution, and the best ways to honor those who serve—and those who gave all—can help us engage more deeply with their meaning.
🇺🇸 Armed Forces Day: Celebrating Service
Date Observed: Third Saturday in May
Purpose: To honor currently serving members of the U.S. military in all branches—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and now the Space Force.
History: Established in 1949 by Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson, Armed Forces Day was created to replace separate Army, Navy, and Air Force Days with a unified celebration of all active-duty service members. It was first observed on May 20, 1950, with parades, air shows, and open houses on military bases. It was a time to boost morale, showcase military readiness, and foster civilian support.
Today: While no longer a federal holiday, Armed Forces Day is still marked with events at military installations and civic celebrations. It's a day to thank those currently wearing the uniform, performing the essential and often invisible work of national defense, whether overseas or at home.
🎖 Memorial Day: Remembering the Fallen
Date Observed: Last Monday in May
Purpose: To remember and honor military personnel who died in service to their country.
History: Originally known as Decoration Day, this observance began after the Civil War when citizens decorated the graves of fallen soldiers. It became more widely recognized after World War I and was officially renamed Memorial Day in 1971, when Congress declared it a federal holiday.
Today: Memorial Day often marks the unofficial start of summer, but its deeper purpose is reflected in flags placed at gravesites, national ceremonies, and moments of silence. It’s a day for remembrance, not celebration—a time to pause and reflect on the cost of freedom.
💙 How to Thank Veterans
While Memorial Day is for the fallen and Armed Forces Day honors those actively serving, many use both occasions to express gratitude to veterans. Here are meaningful ways to thank service members respectfully:
✅ 1. Say It, Sincerely
A heartfelt “Thank you for your service” still matters—especially when accompanied by genuine curiosity or conversation. Ask about their branch, where they served, or how they’re doing now.
✅ 2. Support Veteran-Owned Businesses
Seek out veteran-owned companies, local or online. Your purchase supports their transition into civilian life and honors their contribution in a tangible way.
✅ 3. Donate or Volunteer
Organizations like the USO, Wounded Warrior Project, and Fisher House Foundation provide services from
mental health care to housing for families of the fallen. Donating your time or money makes a real difference.
USO https://secure.uso.org : supports Transitioning Troops and Deployed Troops, Military Families,
Wounded Warriors and Families of the Fallen
Wounded Warrior Project https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org : began in 2003 as a small, grassroots effort providing simple care and comfort items to the hospital bedsides of the first wounded service members returning home from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. As their post-service needs evolved, so have our programs and services. Today, through our direct programs in mental health, career counseling, and long-term rehabilitative care, along with our advocacy efforts, we improve the lives of millions of warriors and their families."
Fisher House Foundation https://www.fisherhouse.org/ : "builds comfort homes where military & veteran families can stay free of charge, while a loved one is in the hospital."
Blue Rose Studio locally supports :
Hudson Valley Honor Flight https://hvhonorflight.com/ : a 501c3 nonprofit organization which “Honors American Veterans” for all their sacrifices. We transport these heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit their memorials at no cost to them. We are a local hub of the National Honor Flight Network, which consists of over 100 independent non-profit “hubs” across America.
The Hudson Valley National Center for Veteran Reintegration https://www.hvncvr.org : works to empower our military men and women to live successful, fulfilling lives. The mission of HVNCVR is to provide support for both our current military personnel while they are back home and our veterans by assisting them with their transition back into civilian life. We do our work through supporting the well-being of Veterans through purpose, dignity, and respect. HVNCVR works to not only enhance the quality of life for our military veterans, but to give them the programs and services they need to thrive in the communities they work so hard to preserve through their military service.
✅ 4. Attend a Ceremony
Memorial Day services and Armed Forces Day events often include flag raising, rifle salutes, or
community moments of silence. Showing up is a powerful sign of respect.
✅ 5. Listen
Many veterans carry memories they rarely share. If someone chooses to open up to you, simply listen.
Sometimes the most powerful support is quiet presence.
🙏 A Month of Reflection
May gives us a chance to reflect on both those who serve and those who sacrificed. Armed Forces Day reminds us of the living strength behind our nation’s defense, while Memorial Day asks us to honor those who can no longer stand among us. Both deserve our attention—not just on their calendar days, but all year long.
This month, let’s remember with gratitude. Let’s speak with intention. And above all, let’s never forget.
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