By Alicia Cosgrove
Published: Friday, May 14, 2010 8:09 AM CDT
NW GUILFORD COUNTY – On May 20, 1950, the first official Armed Forces Day was observed with great pomp and circumstance. Expansive parades, open houses, receptions and air shows were held to carry out President Harry S. Truman’s desire to see that the nation honored “the work of the military services at home and across the seas.”
Created to express gratitude towards military personnel and affirm the then-recently unified command of Army, Air Force and Marine forces under the Department of Defense, the holiday was announced at a time when the news was full of political volatility, world tensions and aggression aimed at the United States. Over the past 60 years, American military personnel have served and sacrificed through peacetime and wars – and continue to do so in a world where tensions are higher than ever.
While Memorial Day and Veterans Day celebrations have enjoyed renewed popularity, particularly since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, for many people Armed Forces Day, the third Saturday of May, comes and goes without recognition.
“It hurts me to see that people don’t recognize it, and give the veterans the honor and glory they deserve,” says Sheriff B.J. Barnes. “Anybody that gives of themselves and goes in (to military service), whether voluntary or draft, deserves recognition.”
Barnes, himself a Vietnam War era Marine Corps veteran, is happy to have the opportunity for his department to show its support of veterans. The Guilford County Sheriff’s Department will engage in a “grudge match” softball game against the Summerfield Fire Department as part of the Summerfield Founders’ Day celebration. Proceeds from the fundraiser event will be donated VFW Post 7999’s memorial fund.
Sgt. First Class D.J. Key, who serves as the Unit Readiness NCO for the National Guard Armory in Greensboro, says that he would like to see more attention given to Armed Forces Day – even though he and many other area guardsmen will be busy on drills this weekend. “It would be nice if the major media outlets would pay more attention to it,” says Key.
For some area families, Armed Forces Day observances are quiet but very meaningful. Tina Norman of Oak Ridge comes from a family with a strong military history. Her father and late father-in-law both fought in World War II; her husband served in the Marines. Her eldest son, Capt. Thane Norman, is serving in the Marine Corps in Afghanistan. Her youngest son, Ensign Thad Norman, is currently training in the Navy’s nuclear power school. Although her father has Alzheimer’s disease, he remembers his service days. On Armed Forces Day, she plans to visit him and encourage him to share stories of his time in service. As always, the Marine Corps and Navy flags will be proudly flown in her family’s yard.
To help celebrate
Armed Forces Day
Thank a veteran. A simple “Thank you for your service” goes a long way.
Check out Supportourtroops.org for ideas about organizing collection drives for active duty troops, and Anysoldier.com to find out how you can reach out to a soldier anywhere in the world. Consider challenging your church or social club to a friendly collection competition of items to be sent to active duty personnel.
http://www.nwobserver.com/articles/2010/05/14/news/doc4bec213e54486781611300.txt