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Independence Day – July 4th
The Fourth of July is a special time of year where we celebrate the heroic efforts of our Veterans and the role they’ve continued to play in making America a free country. On July 4, 1776, the United States claimed its independence from England, which led to the establishment of the United States. Each year on July 4th, also known as Independence Day, Americans celebrate this historic event — in large part because of Veterans. Our Veterans’ patriotism, and willingness to put their life on the line ensures Americans can live a free and full life. When the sky lights up with fireworks this Fourth, take a moment to reflect on the men and women who continue to serve this country.
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A Capitol Fourth
In 2021, America’s Independence Day celebration, A Capitol Fourth, will mark 41 years on the air. The show is broadcast to millions of viewers on PBS and streaming platforms as well as to our troops watching around the world on the American Forces Network.
On July Fourth, America’s national Independence Day celebration honors our country’s birthday with an all-star salute. Broadcast on PBS, this top-rated extravaganza features coverage from 20 cameras positioned around Washington, D.C., ensuring viewers are front and center for the greatest display of fireworks in the nation.
D-Day
On June 6, 1944, more than 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline, to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower called the operation a crusade in which, “we will accept nothing less than full victory.” More than 5,000 Ships and 13,000 aircraft supported the D-Day invasion, and by day’s end, the Allies gained a foot-hold in Continental Europe. The cost in lives on D-Day was high. More than 9,000 Allied Soldiers were killed or wounded, but their sacrifice allowed more than 100,000 Soldiers to begin the slow, hard slog across Europe, to defeat Adolf Hitler’s crack troops.
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80th Anniversary of D-Day at Normandy American Cemetery
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The National WWII Museum
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.
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.
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
