Our Nation owes a great debt to the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, whose service spans every decade, and continues every day of our country’s existence. First observed on May 20, 1950, Armed Forces Day was created to honor Americans serving in the five U.S. military branches. It was to be a celebration to honor America’s service men and women for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
On Memorial Day, we honor those that gave all in defense of our country. During Armed Forces Day, we say thank you to all of those Service Members who risked all when they signed up for service to our country. When they signed up for service, they didn’t know what would be asked. Some were asked by their country to give more – whether in days, weeks, or years away from family, in combat engagement, or in sustainment of physical injury, but the risk was no less when each service member signed and for that we thank you.
Through untold courage and sacrifice, Americans, including a large portion of the population of Mineral County, have served in the five U.S. military branches helping to secure the liberty which our founding fathers sought to establish. Whenever and wherever the Nation has called, in times of darkness and danger, as well as in times of peace and prosperity, America’s men and women have been there and signed up to serve. You have been there for our great county, Mineral County! Today, Armed Forces Day, we stand up and say thank you!
This week, citizens from all around will join us, “America’s Patriotic Home,” for our Armed Forces Day Celebration. Members and organizations of this fantastic community have come together and worked diligently for almost a year to put together a spectacular event. As Americans have done for 65 years, we will gather for music, contests, dancing, races, and of course, the parade to show we are “Supporting our Troops, Past, Present and Future.” To all of our Service Members, “Past, Present, and Future,” I thank you, Hawthorne Army Depot thanks you, Mineral County thanks you, and “America’s Patriotic Home” thanks you!
