R 171339Z MAY 24
ALMAR 014/24
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJ/2024 U.S. ARMED FORCES DAY//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  Today I want to wish all our Nation's Services a happy Armed Forces Day.  Every member of our military, past and present, is honored on this day.
2.  In the aftermath of World War II, national leaders sought to unify all military services under one federal department.  The rationale was to eradicate the poor interservice cooperation seen during the war, thus making the Armed Forces more cohesive and efficient.  In 1947, lawmakers updated the National Security Act, bringing all Services under the umbrella of the National Military Establishment, renamed the Department of Defense in 1949.
3.  In the spirit of service unity, President Harry S. Truman established Armed Forces Day on 20 May 1950.  The theme of the first Armed Forces Day was “Teamed for Defense,” and it had a three-fold mission.  First, Armed Forces Day was to celebrate and recognize all Americans serving in uniform, as well as those who had served before.  Second, the day was to bring citizens closer to their military by hosting base open houses and public displays of new military technology.  Finally, Armed Forces Day was to promote the unity of the military services established in the National Security Act of 1947.  Speaking at the inaugural celebration of Armed Forces Day in 1950, President Truman stated that the day marked 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 was the first parade of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defenses.  It is in that same spirit of unity that I want to thank every Marine, Sailor, Soldier, Airman, Guardian, and Coast Guardsman for their commitment and service for the common defense of our Nation and the advancement of liberty and democracy around the world.
4.  Semper Fidelis, Eric M. Smith, General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commandant of the Marine Corps.//