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Seward Seaport Record
Seward, Alaska
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President Truman signed a proclamation designating May 19, 1951, as Armed Forces Day to honor U.S. military members defending freedom. He urged governors, citizens, and officials to celebrate with flag displays and ceremonies, dividing the U.S. into areas for coordination.
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In a White House ceremony, President Truman proclaimed May 19, 1951 Armed Forces Day—a day devoted to honoring the members of the Armed Forces who have dedicated themselves unselfishly as "the defenders of our people, our Nation, and our democratic way of life."
Pointing out that the Armed Forces "are now fighting and dying on foreign soil in defense of the principles of freedom which this Nation has cherished since its birth," the President invited State and Territorial Governors to provide for the celebration of Armed Forces Day on May 19 in a manner which will honor the members of the Armed Forces.
He requested citizens to display the flag on Armed Forces Day "and by fitting exercises to demonstrate their recognition of the gallantry, sacrifice, and devotion to duty of the men and women of the Armed Forces."
The President, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, directed the Secretary of Defense, and the three military departmental secretaries "to mark the designated day with appropriate ceremonies and to cooperate with civil authorities in suitable observance of the day."
Steps already taken in that direction include the division of the United States into seven geographical areas, with one of the military departments charged with primary responsibility for celebrations in each area.
The two-fold purpose of the day is described by the Public Information Office of the Alaskan Command as "a tribute to the Armed Forces as an integral part of the material and spiritual power of America, now being mobilized, and to renew the faith in our country's sacred heritage, which our power is dedicated to preserve."
The intensive training program in effect in this Command will limit the participation of troops and equipment to areas immediately adjacent to military installations. It is urged, however, that the flag be displayed and every effort be made to bring to the minds of all Alaskans the significance of this observance.
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Domestic News Details
Primary Location
White House
Event Date
May 19, 1951
Key Persons
Outcome
proclamation signed; celebrations planned nationwide, including in alaska with limited troop participation due to training.
Event Details
In a White House ceremony, President Truman proclaimed May 19, 1951, as Armed Forces Day to honor Armed Forces members as defenders of the nation and democratic way of life. He highlighted their fight on foreign soil for freedom principles, invited governors to organize celebrations, requested citizens to display flags and hold exercises recognizing military gallantry, and directed the Secretary of Defense and military secretaries to conduct appropriate ceremonies, cooperating with civil authorities. The U.S. was divided into seven areas with military departments responsible for celebrations. The purpose is to tribute the Armed Forces and renew faith in America's heritage. In Alaska, participation limited to areas near installations, urging flag display and awareness of the observance.