Armed Forces Day, 2018

This proclamation declares the third Saturday of each May as Armed Forces Day, honoring U.S. military service members. It supersedes the previous year's proclamation and encourages flag display, local observances, and state participation, while highlighting recent military funding and a pay raise for troops.

Federal Register Open PDF 83 FR 24215

Impact dates

May 19, 2018
Armed Forces Day 2018 observance (third Saturday of May)

Key directives

Proclaim third Saturday of each May as Armed Forces Day
Invite Governors to provide for observance within their jurisdictions
Invite veterans, civic, and other organizations to join observance
Call upon all Americans to display U.S. flag at homes and businesses on Armed Forces Day
Urge citizens to learn about military service through local observances
Supersede Proclamation 9615 of May 19, 2017

Timeline

Immediate

Armed Forces Day 2018 observance on third Saturday of May (May 19, 2018)
Proclamation 9615 of 2017 superseded

Near term (90d)

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Long term

Annual recurring observance of Armed Forces Day on third Saturday of each May

Risks & tensions

Supersession of prior proclamation is routine annual update, not policy reversal
Mention of ISIS territorial losses and military funding frames ceremonial proclamation with contemporary political context
No binding obligations on states or citizens; language is hortatory ('invite,' 'call upon,' 'urge')