Armed Forces Week is the lead-up before Armed Forces Day, which celebrates all branches of the United States military. Armed Forces Week is an opportunity to remember the service of all troops, including past and present service members.

Whether you want to get directly involved or have a more laid-back holiday, we can help. Learn more about Armed Forces Week and how you can celebrate the occasion this year.

When Is Armed Forces Week?

Armed Forces Week is celebrated the week before Armed Forces Day, which falls on the third Saturday of May. As a result, Armed Forces Week can start on different days of the month. However, it will always start a week before Armed Forces Day, which is when you can expect celebrations to begin.

The History of Armed Forces Week

The first time Armed Forces Day was celebrated was May 20th, 1950. The United States wanted to consolidate the Department of Defense, which led to the creation of Armed Forces Day/Week.

Armed Forces Day/Week is the official replacement of Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard days, but each branch still celebrates its own day. Instead, Armed Forces Day is used to honor all the branches at once. The goal is to show the unity between branches and that one isn’t more important than the others.

How You Can Celebrate Armed Forces Week

If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate Armed Forces Week and show your support to our troops, try out some of these different options:

1. Attend Events

Many bases or cities will have events in the week leading up to Armed Forces Day. Some bases will even host their own events with themed days for the entire week. You can attend these parades, celebrations, or other events with loved ones to show your support and appreciation of the United States military. When the weather is nice, going to an event is an excellent way to get together with your community.

2. Volunteer

If you want to get directly involved with supporting the military, volunteering your time is a great way to give back. You can choose from various military-affiliated organizations, or you can volunteer with the VA hospital. Spending time directly helping out active duty and retired service members is a great way to show your support and appreciation of our armed forces.

3. Fly the Flag

A simple yet meaningful way to show your support during Armed Forces Week is to fly the flag. Flying it outside of your home all week long allows you to get involved, even when you get too busy to attend events or volunteer. If you decide to fly the flag, familiarize yourself with the United States flag code so you handle it correctly and give it the respect it deserves.

4. Send a Care Package

If you know a service member who’s stationed overseas or want to give something to a deployed service member you don’t know, you can always send a care package. These packages include snacks, books, magazines, letters, and other comforts from home. Service members love receiving care packages from the states, so it’s an excellent way to show your support during Armed Forces Week.

5. Seek Educational Opportunities

If you want to use Armed Forces Week to learn more about our service members and the history of the branches, there are plenty of opportunities for you to try. For example, you can visit a museum or monument with the family and turn it into an educational experience. You might be surprised by how many monuments or museums there are in the country, so you’re bound to find something close to home.

If you want to provide education to your children, you can sit them down and talk to them about the importance of our military. A DVD, storybook, or even a simple discussion can help them learn more about the origins of Armed Forces Week and our service members.

We at MLC Wish You a Happy Armed Forces Week

Those of us at Military Luggage Company would like to wish our service members a happy Armed Forces Week. We are beyond thankful for your service and hope you can enjoy a week full of festivities, celebrations, and fun events.

To our military members and civilians, we hope you find a fun and educational way to honor the members of our Armed Forces this year. Spend time with family, volunteer your time, and use this week as a way to learn more about the sacrifices our service members have made for our freedoms.