R 161646Z MAY 25
ALMAR 010/25
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJ/ARMED FORCES DAY//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  On behalf of all Marines, I want to wish
every member of the U.S. military a happy Armed Forces Day.
2.  The Nation celebrated the first Armed Forces Day in May 1950,
one month before the beginning of the Korean War.  Following passage
of the National Security Act of 1947, all services were consolidated 
under the Department of Defense to increase cohesiveness and better 
confront global threats in the Cold War.  Likewise, the intent
behind creating Armed Forces Day was to celebrate all members of the 
military, bolster unity among the services, and connect the public 
to the large peacetime force needed to defend the Nation and its 
ideals. 
3.  Today, we celebrate our Armed Forces in the spirit of unity and 
jointness.  We further recognize and honor those Soldiers, Marines, 
Sailors, Airmen, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen who have served or 
are currently serving.  Thank you for your commitment and service to 
provide the common defense of our Nation.
4.  Semper Fidelis, Eric M. Smith, General, U.S. Marine Corps, 
Commandant of the Marine Corps.//