Armed Forces Day, 2011

President Obama proclaims the third Saturday of May as Armed Forces Day, calling on Americans to honor service members and their families, display the U.S. flag, and participate in local observances. The Proclamation supersedes the prior year's Armed Forces Day proclamation and directs the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to plan appropriate observances.

Federal Register Open PDF 76 FR 30497

Impact dates

May 21, 2011
Armed Forces Day 2011 (third Saturday of May)

Key directives

Proclaim third Saturday of May as Armed Forces Day
Secretary of Defense to plan observances for Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and encourage civil authority and private citizen participation
Secretary of Homeland Security to plan observances for Coast Guard
Invite governors of states, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. jurisdictions to provide for observances
Invite veterans, civic leaders, and organizations to join observances
Call upon Americans to display U.S. flag at homes on Armed Forces Day
Urge citizens to attend local observances and learn about military service
Encourage Americans to volunteer at organizations supporting troops

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Proclamation takes effect upon signing
Armed Forces Day designated as third Saturday of May 2011 (May 21, 2011)

Near term (90d)

Secretaries to plan observances
State governors and civic organizations invited to organize observances

Long term

Annual recurrence of Armed Forces Day on third Saturday of May

Risks & tensions

None flagged.