What Is Armed Forces Day and How Do Texans Celebrate It?
First off, to be able to celebrate Armed Forces Day in the Lone Star State one must know the history of how it came about. It was August 31st, 1949 when the Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of a new holiday Armed Forces Day.
Armed Forces Day came about to organize and replace all the separate Army, Navy, Marine Corp., Air Force, and Coast Guard days that were being celebrated separately every year nationwide. Texas has had a few more military organizations since they were organized in the 1930s.
Texas has what's known as, "The Texas Military Forces (TXMF)" They are the main mechanism through which the Texas Military Department (TMD) implements border security for Texas, which has the second-largest population and border in the United States.
Since 1846, the Texas Militia units have made up the Texas Military Forces. The Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, and Texas State Guard of the Texas Militia primarily comprise these Texas Military Forces. Former forces include the Texian Militia, Texian Army, Texian Navy, Texas Army, Texas Navy, and Texas Marines. It also included the Texas Rangers from their beginning up until 1935.
Today, "Military Day in Texas" (aka Armed Forces Day) can be a more meaningful experience to praise, celebrate, and show our genuine appreciation of military personnel (past and present) and their families for giving their all. Look for parades and events throughout the Lone Star State.
What I find most interesting is when President Truman 1949 signed the bill for Armed Forces Day he praised the work of the military services at home and across the seas, emphasizing its "vital role in national security" and their role in securing the borders of the United States. We are still doing that today.
Finally, the difference, Armed Forces Day honors all military personnel past and present, while Memorial Day honors those who gave their lives while serving our country. This year's Armed Forces Day is Saturday, May 18, 2024.