May 16th - Armed Forces Day

No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.

-General Douglas MacArthur

Today is Armed Forces Day. A Day to celebrate all those who sacrifice their lives for the freedom of our country. Celebrate this special day by making the decision to never take another day of freedom for granted. Just imagine what America would be like without our esteemed Armed Forces. Thank those in the Armed Forces and all the men and women who serve their country all over the world. Make a personal commitment to honor and respect their efforts from this day forward.

Armed Forces Day
by Del "Abe" Jones

At the urging of Harry Truman

The third Saturday in May

The new Department of Defense

Proclaimed it, "Armed Forces Day".
A day to Thank all the Services

Who defend our air, land, and sea

Who serve our Country Proudly

Defending, this Land of the Free.
All those young Men and Women

And too, all of those "oldsters"Who march, fly, and set sail

As Airmen, Sailors, Marines and Soldiers.
Some of them serve as "Regulars"And some just do, the weekend

But all step forward, Strong and Proud

When we need someone to send.
The times have been a'changing

And missions they are asked to

Grow much more complicated

Than what, they used to do.
They must be Warrior and Diplomat

With clenched fist or gentle touch

Pass the ammunition, feed the hungry

Build roads, hospitals, and such.
"A Tradition of Heroes"Is what some people say

And, we all owe them a, "Thank you!"On this, "Armed Forces Day"

How to Celebrate Armed Forces Day
By eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor

Attend an Armed Forces Day open house at a military base near you. Talk to the men and women on duty. Ask questions. Learn what it's like to serve these days.

Go to an Armed Forces Day Scout Blast. If you don't have a scout in the family, find a friend who does and tag along. You'll see things like pinewood derbies, Civil and Revolutionary War reenactments, sports competitions, fireworks displays, kite flying, rock climbing, hang-glider and dog-team demonstrations.

Contribute to the preservation of an historic fort near you. Pitch in at a cleanup, volunteer to help out at the next holiday celebration, or simply pop a check in the mail.

Honor the spirit of today's all-volunteer military by lending a hand yourself. Join a literacy group and teach people to read. Sign on to help in a disaster-relief project. Help dish up food at your local soup kitchen. Give blood.

Tip: To find out what's going on in your area this Armed Forces Day, check your local paper, or call the Public Information Office at your closest military installation.