The Memphis Belle flying back to the US after its 25th
mission over Germany.

On May 17, 1943, the crew of the Memphis Belle, one of a group
of American bombers based in Britain, became one of the first
B-17 crews to complete 25 missions over Europe and return to
the United States.

The Memphis Belle performed its 25th and last mission, in a
bombing raid against Lorient, a German submarine base.

Lt General Jacob Devers (center) shakes hands with one of
the crew of the Memphis Belle before she flew back to the
US in 1943.

   
Visitors gather for a private viewing of the Memphis Belle, a Boeing B-17 ‘Flying Fortress,’ at the National Museum of the
US Air Force 2018.

May 17, 2025 – Armed Forces Day is Observed on the third
Saturday every May, this is a day dedicated to paying tribute
to men and women currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

   
First observed on 20 May 1950, the day was created on 31
August 1949 as President Harry S. Truman led the effort to
establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and
thank military members for their patriotic service in support
of the republic and national interests and as an undeniable fact of American life.

Secretary of Defense Louis A. Johnson announced the creation
to honor Americans serving in the five U.S. military branches –
the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force and
U.S. Coast Guard – following the consolidation of the military
services in the U.S. Department of Defense as part of a modern
U.S. Armed Forces.  
    
     
     
     
 On 19 May 2017, President Donald Trump reaffirmed the
Armed Forces Day holiday, marking the 70th anniversary
since the creation of the Department of Defense.

On 15 May 2020, Armed Forces Day honored
the newly established United States Space
Force for the first time.    

Based on outcry from parents who bought into what may have
started as an idle rumor, the FBI launched a formal investigation
in 1964 into the supposedly pornographic lyrics of the song
“Louie, Louie.”

The tune that would go on to become one of the most-covered
songs in rock-and-roll history.

The control room of SW Portland’s Northwestern Inc.
Motion Pictures and Recording, where The Kingsmen’s legendary “Louie Louie” was recorded.