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Armed Forces Day 2009: Celebrations across the United States

by amyjudd | May 16, 2009 at 08:19 am

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Armed Forces Day, May 16th 2009, is a day that is held in many nations around the world, prominently in the United States, and is a day to honour all military forces for the work they do or have done to serve their country.

There are parades and gatherings planned across the United States for this day and most celebrations are free.

In Alabama they are having a parade:

Food vendors will be there but military members and their families (who show ID) will be treated to a free lunch grilled out by Wal-mart team members.

You can also take part in a free helicopter ride given by the Army heritage Foundation.

In Boston, Fort Devens is hositng its first event to honour the day in 10 years:

Fort Devens is reviving its Armed Forces Day celebrations for the first time since the central Massachusetts army based was decommissioned more than a decade ago.

The public event Saturday was the idea of current base commander Lt. Col. Steven Nott, who wanted to re-establish ties with the civilian community.

In Branson, Missouri, it will be the 59th Annual Armed Forces Day:

“One thing we need to do, especially during this time of war, is honor those who are serving in the military,” said Arlen Lipper, office manager for the Branson Veterans Task Force. “These American servicemen and women need to know that they have our support.”

The task force has scheduled a special celebration from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. today at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Branson.

Some other countries celebrate the day on a different day of the year, and not May 16th as it corresponds to a day that is important to their Armed Forces.