 In 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of Armed Forces Day to replace separate service days for the five military branches. The single day celebration was created 65 years ago to symbolize the armed forces coming under one department, the Department of Defense. Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May. This year, that falls on May 17th. Individual states and cities honor the men and women in uniform with parades, open houses, receptions and air shows. Check with your Community Events page to find out how they're celebrating the spirit of the First Armed Forces Day and honoring our service members. From the Defense Media Activity, I'm Petty Officer Jen Blake.