R 141913Z MAY 20
ALMAR 009/20
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC DMCS//
SUBJ/ARMED FORCES DAY//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  During his tenure as President, Harry S. Truman spearheaded an initiative to set aside one day for all Americans to show appreciation for the service and sacrifices of all who have served in our Nation's Armed Forces.  On 31 August 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson fulfilled President Truman's vision by creating Armed Forces Day, a holiday that we now observe on the third Saturday in May each year.
2.  The men and women of our military voluntarily give themselves over to a larger cause, to a greater purpose.  Each of us in uniform took an oath to defend our Nation, its principles, and its residents against all who would do it harm - even if it means our own lives are lost in that defense.
3.  Armed Forces Day affords us an opportunity to pause each year and pay tribute to those who put on the uniform of our country, who have borne many a hardship in the service of others, and who gladly defend the American way of life.  As each of you pause on Saturday, 16 May, recognize your fellow service member with heartfelt gratitude, comradery, and respect.  I thank every member of the United States Armed Forces for your professionalism, dedication, and sacrifce.
4.  Semper Fidelis, David H. Berger, General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commandant of the Marine Corps.//