Today, Saturday May 16, 2026, is Armed Forces Day and is recognized annually on the third Saturday in May. Armed Forces Day especially honors current active duty service members, according to the American Legion Library & Museum. Memorial Day especially honors deceased military veterans and those who lost their lives in action. Veterans Day honors living veterans.
President Harry Truman first instituted Armed Forces Day in 1950. When separate departments for each military service branch were placed under the new Department of Defense in the late 1940s, it was decided that there should be one all-inclusive service day to recognize the uniformed branches and those who serve in them. President John F. Kennedy officially made it a national holiday in 1961. (American Legion Website)