Armed Forces Day – May 15, 2010

There are many holidays that honor our servicemen and women. Each holiday is different, but they all hold the same theme. Recognition. Armed Forces day is upon us, and I like to take the time to consider just how important our Armed Forces really are.

Armed Forces day is celebrated the third Saturday in May, and was created in 1949 following the combination of each branch of military in the Department of Defense. It was established to acknowledge those who serve in any war that America is a part of.

As an Army wife, I can’t help but beam at the fact that there are holidays to honor my husband. Being a military family, you can’t help but wonder sometimes if it’s all worth it. I mean, sure, there’s the healthcare, the occasional military discount, and the housing allowance.

But with all the other things we go through to support our loved ones in uniform, the only thing we can really rely upon is the sense of pride that we have for what they do.

My husband just returned from his second year long deployment, and as much as I hated him being gone, as much as I wanted to yell at the Generals I’d see on Fort Hood for sending my husband to fly around in a combat zone, (Even though they had nothing to do with it. I still was as proud as a peacock that my husband was doing what so many before him had done….defend our nation.

The Armed Forces have done so much for our country, and without those who have sacrificed life and limb, time from wives and children, and the comforts of home, we would not be where we are today.

As far as I’m concerned, every day honors the work that our veterans have done. The fact that I was able to enjoy Mother’s Day with my family, order pizza last night, and take a walk in my neighborhood yesterday is all because of our Armed Forces.

So thank you…to all those who have served, are serving, or will serve.

What does Armed Forces Day mean for you? Is it just another holiday,or is it something more?