Armed Forces Day, 2016

This proclamation designates the third Saturday of each May as Armed Forces Day to honor U.S. military service members. It directs the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to plan annual observances and encourages Americans, governors, and civic organizations to participate in commemorations.

Federal Register Open PDF 81 FR 33327

Impact dates

Date TBD
Annual observance on third Saturday of May each year

Key directives

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
Governors and territorial officials to provide for observance within their jurisdictions
All Americans to display U.S. flag at homes on Armed Forces Day
Citizens urged to attend local observances and volunteer at organizations supporting troops and families

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Proclamation takes effect; annual Armed Forces Day observance established

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

Ongoing annual observance on third Saturday of May

Risks & tensions

None flagged.