Armed Forces Day, 2012

President Obama issued a ceremonial proclamation designating the third Saturday of each May as Armed Forces Day, honoring U.S. military service members and their families. The proclamation directs the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to plan annual observances and encourages state governors, veterans, civic organizations, and all Americans to participate in commemorations and display the U.S. flag.

Federal Register Open PDF 77 FR 30875

Impact dates

Date TBD
Annual observance planning by Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security

Key directives

Secretary of Defense to plan appropriate annual observances for Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps
Secretary of Homeland Security to plan appropriate annual observances for Coast Guard
Secretary of Defense to encourage participation and cooperation of civil authorities and private citizens
Invite Governors to provide for observance within their jurisdictions
Invite veterans, civic leaders, and organizations to join observances
Call upon all 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; annual Armed Forces Day observance established for third Saturday of each May

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

Continued annual observance of Armed Forces Day with federal agency planning and civilian participation

Risks & tensions

None flagged.