Here’s the usual response when you tell someone, “Happy Armed Forces Day!”

• “Huh? Do you mean Memorial Day?”
• “No, that’s later in May.”
• “Veterans Day?”
• “No, that’s in November.”
• “Is it an extra Mother’s Day for Moms who wear combat boots?”
• “No, but that’s an interesting idea that should be run by the Secretary of Defense!”

Armed Forces Day was created in 1949 on August 31^st by Secretary of Defense, Louis Johnson. His goal was to consolidate the individual service appreciation days so the nation could honor all men and women in uniform together. It is celebrated on the third Saturday of May.

Although veterans are often included today, Secretary Johnson wanted a day specifically for service members on active duty or serving in the Guard and Reserves. It is a good day for families to get out to a park or another activity for everyone. It is also a good opportunity for the leadership of a Joint Task Force to put aside service rivalries and enjoy the traditional meal of ribs and potato salad. Well, that was my tradition…way back when.

Okay, let’s get to the other reason why service members like Armed Forces Day. The discounts! Since it ties in with May also being Military Appreciation Month, there are a lot of retail discounts and some surprising specials for service members. These include specials for gasoline at a particular convenience store chain to free or heavily discounted tickets to many amusement parks and most of the museums here in the U.S.

If you want a few tips on celebrating Armed Forces Day or showing thanks for the service and sacrifices, here are some ideas my fellow blogger, Kate, put together, along with more information on other special days in May. Thank you to everyone serving in uniform, every Airman, Guardian, Guardsman, Marine, Sailor, and Solider.

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