In a speech announcing the formation of the day, President Truman "praised the work of the military services at home and across the seas" and said, "it is vital to the security of the nation and to the establishment of a desirable peace." In an excerpt from the Presidential Proclamation of Feb. 27, 1950, Mr. Truman stated:

" Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, marks the first combined demonstration by America's defense team of its progress, under the National Security Act, towards the goal of readiness for any eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense."

The theme of the first Armed Forces Day was "Teamed for Defense." It was chosen as a means of expressing the unification of all the military forces under a single department of the government. Although this was the theme for the day, there were several other purposes for holding Armed Forces Day. It was a type of "educational program for civilians," one in which there would be an increased awareness of the Armed Forces. It was designed to expand public understanding of what type of job is performed and the role of the military in civilian life. It was a day f or the military to show "state-of-the-art" equipment to the civilian population they were protecting. And it was a day to honor and acknowledge the people of the Armed Forces of the United States.

The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated by parades, open houses, receptions, and air shows. In Washington D.C., 10,000 troops of all branches of the military, cadets, and veterans marched pass the President and his party. In Berlin, 1,000 U.S. troops paraded for the German citizens at Templehof Airfield. In New York City, an estimated 33,000 participants initiated Armed Forces Day "under an air cover of 250 military planes of all types." In the harbors across the country were the famed mothballed "battlewagons" of World War II, the Missouri, the New Jersey, the North Carolina, and the Iowa, all open for public inspection. Precision flying teams dominated the skies as tracking radar were exhibited on the ground. All across the country, the American people joined together to honor the Armed Forces.

This year we celebrate the 51st anniversary of Armed Forces Day. What can you do to celebrate?

• Contact a military base near you to get information on celebrations there. Talk to the men and women on duty. Ask questions. Learn what it's like to serve these days. The active bases in Kansas are: Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth and McConnell Air Force base. The Historical bases are Fort Scott and Fort Larned.

• Contribute to the preservation of an historic fort near you. Pitch in at a cleanup, volunteer to help out at the next holiday celebration.

• Check the local newspapers and bulletin boards at your school or library. Also, check with the local scouting organizations. There may be a parade or other activities planned in your town or a town close by.

The Turkey Creek Festival Parade Committee in Merriam, KS is sponsoring a parade on May 19th. That parade begins at 11am at 69th Street and Antioch Road.

If you plan on visiting the Washington, DC area in May, be sure to visit Andrews Air Force Base on May 19th or 20th. There will be an aerial demonstrations by the U. S. Air Force Thunderbirds flying team and the U. S. Army Golden Knights parachute team as well as other exciting highlights.

Whatever you have planned for the holiday, take time to honor and acknowledge the members of the Armed Forces of the United States.