Armed Forces Day is celebrated in the United States on the third Saturday
in May. It falls near the end of Armed Forces Week, which begins on the
second Saturday of May and ends on the third Sunday of May.

First observed on 20 May 1950, the day was created on 31 August 1949,
to honor Americans serving in the military. It followed the consolidation
of the military services in the U.S. Department of Defense. It was
originally intended to replace the separate Army-, Navy-, Air Force-,
Marine Corps- and Coast Guard Days, but the separate days are still
observed, especially within the respective services.

The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated by parades, open houses, 
receptions and air shows.