Armed Forces Day, 2013

President Obama issued a ceremonial proclamation continuing the annual observance of Armed Forces Day on the third Saturday of each May, 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 governors, veterans, civic organizations, and all Americans to participate in commemorations.

Federal Register Open PDF 78 FR 30731

Impact dates

Date TBD
Annual observance of Armed Forces Day (third Saturday of each May)

Key directives

Proclaim third Saturday of each May as Armed Forces Day
Secretary of Defense to plan appropriate observances for Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps
Secretary of Homeland Security to plan appropriate observances for Coast Guard
Secretary of Defense to encourage participation 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
Encourage Americans to volunteer at organizations supporting troops

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Proclamation takes effect upon signing
Armed Forces Day 2013 observance scheduled for third Saturday of May

Near term (90d)

Annual observance planning by Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security

Long term

Continuing annual observance of Armed Forces Day on third Saturday of May each year

Risks & tensions

None flagged.