Armed Forces Day 2024: Origins and significance

WEB DESK: The Armed Forces Day is a national holiday in several countries around the world, including the United States (US), Pakistan, and India.

The day is observed annually on the third Saturday of May every year in the US to recognise the sacrifices of soldiers across all military branches.

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The US President Harry Truman instituted the day in 1949. He felt there needed to be a proper communication channel among all the branches of the US military.

However, it wouldn’t be until May 18, 1962 when the-then US President John F Kennedy formally designated Armed Forces Day as an official holiday. This year’s Armed Forces Day coincides with the very first year.

The US organised a “Military Appreciation Month” in May to coincide with the national day. The aim is to highlight issues facing the US military, including health issues – amputations, mental disorders, and exposure to hazardous substances like asbestos.

Asbestos comprise of a set of fibrous minerals that are utilised to reinforce and fireproof various materials. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they become lodged in the body, leading to diseases such as lung cancer. Asbestos exposure is extremely common within US soldiers.

Asbestos-related diseases has been linked to exposure in naval shipyards.

The US celebrates the Armed Forces Day with various parades, and the pubic visiting memorials dedicated to soldiers who died while serving. The highlight of the day, however, is the Preakness Stakes. It is a horse race held on the same day as the Armed Forces Day every year in Baltimore, Maryland.

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The Pakistani version of Armed Forces Day is celebrated on September 6, called “Defense Day”. In India, it is celebrated on December 7 and is known as “Armed Forces Flag Day”. Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, the day is celebrated in late June.