R 181130Z MAY 23
ALMAR 012/23
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJ/2023 U.S. ARMED FORCES DAY//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  On behalf of the Marine Corps, I want to wish every member of the United States military a happy Armed Forces Day.  This is a day to show appreciation for all who serve or have served in our Nation’s Armed Forces.
2.  In response to the rise of Soviet Communism and the geopolitical realities of the post-World War II world, Congress restructured the national defense system with the passage of the National Security Act of 1947.  The Act consolidated the military services and national intelligence agencies into the National Military Establishment.  Two years later, Secretary of Defense Louis A. Johnson created a national day of recognition for all of the services, to be observed every third Saturday in May. 
3.  On 27 February 1950, President Harry Truman proclaimed the creation of Armed Forces Day in "recognition of the skill, gallantry, and uncompromising devotion to duty characteristic of the Armed Forces in the carrying out of their missions."  At the first Armed Forces Day ceremonies held across the nation on 20 May 1950, national leaders stressed the need for unity and readiness to meet the post World War II defense challenges.  It is with this understanding of our past that we recognize our Nation’s military services and honor those who have dedicated themselves to the defense of our Nation.  I want to thank every Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, Guardian, and Coast Guardsman for their commitment, devotion, and sacrifice for the common good of our Nation.
4.  Semper Fidelis, David H. Berger, General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commandant of the Marine Corps.//