05/16/2026
Armed Forces Day has been celebrated on the 3rd Saturday in May each year since its establishment in 1949. Specifically we recognize the "country-before-self" spirit that keeps our nation strong, safe & free.
"The men & women in our armed services are our final protection against those who wish us ill. The soldier, the sailor, the airman, and the marine in the US & around the world are the ultimate guardians of our freedom to say what we think, go where we will, choose who we want for our leaders, and pray as we wish" ~ Ronald Reagan, 1982
Army - the oldest & largest branch - BIRTHDAY: 6/14/1775, official song: The Army goes rolling along. Official motto: "This we'll defend"
Navy - 2nd oldest branch - BIRTHDAY: 10/13/1775, official song: Anchors Aweigh - No official motto, but unofficially "Not self, but country"
Marines - 3rd oldest branch - BIRTHDAY: 11/10/1775 Motto: "Semper Fidelis" - Official song: "The Marine's Hymn" - the oldest song of the Armed Forces
Air Force - was initially a subdivision of the Army, BIRTHDAY: 9/18/1947: Official motto: "Aim High..Fly-FIght-Win" - Official song: "Wild Blue Yonder"
Coast Guard - BIRTHDAY: 8/4/1790 the only branch outside the Dept of War - it operates under the Dept of Homeland Security (until wartime - then falls under the US Navy) Official motto: "Always Ready" - Official song: "Semper Paratus"
Space Force - the newest branch - BIRTHDAY: 12/20/2019. Known as "guardians" - it falls under the Air Force. - Official motto: "Always Above" - Official song: "Semper Supra"
We invite all our campers to display a flag on their site today - we do have a few small flags in the office if you need one
