Armed Forces Day – Paying Tribute to Those Who Serve

Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May. This year that falls on May 18th, and is an opportunity to show support for the men and women in the United States Armed Forces who risk their lives to keep our country safe.

How It Started

On August 31, 1949, Louis Johnson, the United States’ Secretary of Defense, announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days.

Bremerton's Armed Forces Day Parade.

The event came about after all the branches of the armed forces were joined together under one department – the Department of Defense. At first the Army, Navy and Air Force leagues adopted the newly formed day.

The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated on Saturday, May 20, 1950. Armed Forces Day was a day for the military to show "state-of-the-art" equipment to Americans. It was also a day to honor and acknowledge Americans in the armed forces.

Local Celebrations

2019 Kitsap Credit Union Annual Armed Forces Day and Parade
Where: Bremerton
Date: May 18, 2019
Time: 7:00 am - 2:00 pm

Bremerton is the site of the Armed Forces Day Parade, the largest and longest-running parade of its kind in the U.S. This year is the 72nd year of the event. This event includes the Heroes’ Barbeque that provides a free hot dog, chips and soda to all active-duty, reserve, retired and veteran service personnel.

A Day at the Races – A Salute to Armed Forces
Sponsored by USO Northwest & Emerald Downs Racetrack. Saturday, May 18th in Auburn at Emerald Downs. Gates open at noon. Racing begins 30 minutes after gates open.
Free admission to all military and their families.

Armed Forces Day
Where: Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma.
When: Saturday, May 18th, 11 am to 7 pm

Admission, parking, military displays, historical reenactments, entertainment and athletic events are free. Carnival rides, food and other vendor products are available for purchase.

• • Military aircraft and vehicle displays
• • Meet historians from the Lewis Army Museum
• • Living history encampments representing military life in the past
• • See mock battles
• • Roving entertainers throughout the day, including “Blitz” the Seahawks’ mascot
• • JBLM’s America’s First Corps Band on stage throughout the day
• • Army vs. Navy rugby match at Cowan Stadium