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Armed Forces Day
On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department — the Department of Defense.
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The Illinois American Legion Armed Forces Day Dinner
Saturday, May 18th, 2024
2024 National Poppy Day
After World War I, the poppy flourished in Europe. Scientists attributed the growth to soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from the rubble left by the war. From the dirt and mud grew a beautiful red poppy. The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battle following the publication of the wartime poem “In Flanders Fields.” The poem was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. while serving on the front lines.
On September 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of The American Legion family to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during the war. In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program of The American Legion.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday of May, commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service. Remember to honor your fallen veterans and to participate in memorial service.
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National Cemetery Administration will host Memorial Day ceremonies at VA national cemeteries across the country with the help of local communities. Each cemetery and community will add their own special touch of patriotism and “thanks” during the events. Information provided from the Department of Veterans Affairs on local ceremonies in Illinois.
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The National Memorial Day Concert is a free annual concert performed on the west lawn of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., in celebration of Memorial Day since 1989. It is broadcast live on PBS, NPR, and can also be seen overseas by U.S. military personnel in more than 175 countries and aboard more than 200 U.S. Navy ships at sea on American Forces Network. The National Memorial Day Concert is on Ch 11 PBS live on the Sunday evening before Memorial Day. Most stations air the Concert at 7:00 p.m. CT. Check your local listings or the link below.
The National Memorial Day Concert features uplifting musical performances, documentary footage and dramatic readings that honor the military service of all our men and women in uniform, their families at home and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. It is a great program please make an effort to view.
