Armed Forces honored

By Wiley Hendrix
Staff Writer

Branson will be recognizing active duty military personnel today as part of the 59th anniversary of Armed Force Day.

“One thing we need to do, especially during this time of war, is honor those who are serving in the military,” said Arlen Lipper, office manager for the Branson Veterans Task Force. “These American servicemen and women need to know that they have our support.”

The task force has scheduled a special celebration from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. today at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Branson.

Anyone who has served in the U.S. military in the past, or is currently serving will receive a free picnic lunch and a special buy-one-get-one-free discount offer to tour the museum.

Lipper said the general public is invited to the celebration.

“We would like as many people to come as possible,” he said. “This is a great way to honor our heroes on this special day.”

Armed Forces Day is celebrated across the U.S.

The day was created in 1949, and was a result of the consolidation of the military services in the Department of Defense. According to the department of Defense Web site, this day was intended to replace the separate Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Days. However, observance of these days, especially within each particular service, continues.

According to the Web site, the first Armed Forces Day was celebrated by parades, open houses, receptions and air shows.

Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May.

Click Here for a printer-friendly version of this story.