Armed Forces Day: A day to remember

As a holiday, Armed Forces Day doesn’t typically garner a lot of fanfare, but for Chicagoans with family or friends in the military, this Saturday, May 16 is a day to remember.

Established under President Harry S. Truman in 1949, and celebrated on the third Saturday in May, it’s the day Americans the world over come together to recognize serving members of the military, regardless of their designation or service branch.

Not to be confused with Veterans Day, which honors those who served the nation in war, or Memorial Day, which honors those who died while serving in war, Armed Forces Day is the proper day to honor all members of the military currently serving as well as those who have served and sacrificed to defend the nation, including in the Reserves or National Guard.

Subscribe to Chicago Star's Weekly City Buzz Newsletter

Truman called upon the nation to “display the flag of the United States at their homes on Armed Forces Day and to participate in exercises expressive of our recognition of the skill, gallantry, and uncompromising devotion to duty characteristic of the armed forces in the carrying out of their missions.”

There are other meaningful ways to show your support, too. The United Service Organizations (USO) is a good place to start. The USO supports America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country throughout their service. As a nonprofit charitable corporation, the USO relies on donations from individuals, organizations and corporations to support its programs.

Ways to help

One of the easiest ways to help is to make a financial contribution to the USO, making it possible for the USO to support service members and their families. Donations support members of the military from the moment they join, through their assignments and deployments and as they transition back to their communities. The USO also supports military spouses in Illinois by connecting them to social, professional and community networks.

Read more on Chicago Star

• What’s the risk of hantavirus, rare cases from rodent exposure, for Illinois residents?
• Ace Hardware launches AI store assistant “Hey ARMA” in over 2,300 stores
• Tragic loss shocks NBA as Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke passes at 29
• Progress in the life expectancy gap passes pre-pandemic levels for Black Chicagoans
• Michelin-starred duo expands with new venture All Well in Chicago’s West Loop

Care packages

Care packages are a great way to stay connected to your serving family member or loved one. They provide a welcome piece of home to warm the heart. Besides the USO, other trusted organizations for donating or sending care packages include Operation Support Our Troops America, Operation Gratitude and Support Our Troops.

But there are some important things to know before you get started.

Wait until after boot camp: Care packages are usually discouraged for recruits in boot camp. In fact, receiving an unauthorized package may result in a punishment for your recruit or their entire unit. Letters of encouragement, however, are always welcome.

Little things can make a big difference: When far from home, the small things matter. Family members may want to send music, toiletries, food and treats. Partners can send notes, cards and other small items that remind them how much you care. Photos from home are always nice to see.

Be careful what you send: Some items can be rejected by the post office or commanding officer. Packages may be inspected before they get to your service member and valuables can sometimes get lost or broken.

Digital can be delayed: Texts, digital cards and email may not reach your service member as cell phone use is usually limited and dictated by the service branch and commanding officer.

Make a request first: If you want a specific service member to receive a care package, you should make a request. Most organizations won’t allow unsolicited packages. Packages sent are usually at the request of a military person or their loved one.

Looking for ways to help closer to home? 

Dogs on Deployment

Dogs on Deployment is an online listing resource and network that allows deployed military service members with pets to connect with volunteer boarders to care for them. Through the service, pet owners and boarders can contact one another to arrange for pet care.

Originally published April 28, 2022