In 1949, U.S. Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson declared Armed Forces Day to unify the Army, Navy, and Air Force branches of the military in a single-day celebration and “praise the work of the military services at home and across the seas”, said then-president Harry Truman. When the national event was formed, Armed Forces Day became a way for civilians to learn what the specific departments did; honor and acknowledge their service; and the military’s role in daily life.
All over America, people celebrate Armed Forces Day with parades, airshows, receptions, open houses, and more, drawing thousands of troops. As Hawthorne is deemed “America’s Patriotic Home” in large part to the local army depot, it makes sense for Armed Forces Day to be Mineral County’s biggest event of the year. Now in its 72nd iteration in Hawthorne, Armed Forces is back in full force honoring those who have served, are currently serving, or have given their lives defending our nation on this third weekend of May.
One of the most anticipated AFD events (and the one that everyone stays in town for), is undoubtedly the annual AFD Parade.
To be held from noon to 2 p.m., the parade starts on Hawthorne’s main street and travels to Veterans Memorial Park at the north end of E Street.
A military flyover kicks off the event, and floats, cars, and candy-throwing local celebrities take to the streets. People can expect to see the Renegades in vintage vehicles, four class alumni reunions, Miss AFD Pageant winners, and the iconic Cecil the Serpent.
At the end of the parade, everyone helps carry the large American flag to Veterans Memorial Park in a sign of solidarity.
During the military flyover starting at noon, a military aircraft will pass over on the way to the airport for the open house, a static display of aircraft (at the south end of the airport) for people to come and see. This year the Nevada National Guard is supporting Hawthorne with three helicopters, the C-130, and the Army Guard vehicles that are in the parade and the soldiers with them. In addition to the military, Care Flight will have a helicopter at the airport and REACH will have its PC-12 medical transport plane.
Longtime resident, airport volunteer, and 2022 AFD Parade Grand Marshal Betty Easley said that Armed Forces Day is a great time for people to see the military aircraft up close and visit with the crews. People are allowed to go inside them and have pictures taken with the aircraft and crew. Plus, having the medical aircraft around is a way for people to see it and meet the crews in a more relaxed setting so if they ever do need to be transported, they are more familiar with how they will be flown out.
Be advised that the north end of the airport is closed to the public as it will continue to be an active area for planes to land to refuel. The airport building will also not be open to the public; however, a porta potty will be available if needed.
“Armed Force Day is held in honor of our military forces and this year the Nevada National Guard is supporting us with three helicopters and a C-130 at a significant amount of aircraft, personnel, and budget. Please take a few minutes to show them you appreciate their service and support and come to the airport if only for a few minutes. It will mean a lot to them,” Easley adds.
Speaking of grand marshals, Hawthorne native Lieutenant Colonel David Geerdes has been designated as this year’s AFD master of ceremony. Lt. Colonel joined the Active-Duty Armed Forces in 1995 as an F-16 mechanic and later transferred to the Air National Guard. He earned his private pilot’s license in 2003, a BS degree with a focus in aviation technology in 2005, and an MS degree in aviation safety. He’s served with the Utah Air National Guard, the Joint Base Andres National Guard Bureau, and has had deployments all over the world.
Don’t forget…the 2023 AFD Parade will start at noon this Saturday, May 20. See you on Main Street!
