It is fitting and proper that we devote
one day each year to paying special
tribute to those whose constancy and
courage constitute one of the bulwarks
guarding the freedom of this nation and
the peace of the free world that came
from President Eisenhower . Speaking of
armed forces Day , armed Forces Day was
established in 1949 as a result of the
Unification of America's Armed Forces
under the National Security Act of 1947 .
At the time , all the different armed
services components were brought
together under one umbrella and renamed
the Department of Defense . The
unification allowed for a greater
efficiency in providing military forces
needed to deter war and protect the
security of our country . Former
Secretary of Defense Lewis Johnson put
it this way . Armed Forces day ,
Saturday , May 20th , 1950 marks 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 is the first parade of
preparedness by the Unified Forces of
our land , sea and air defense .
When it comes down to the bottom line ,
it's the people of the armed services
that make it all possible people like
the airmen that make up this wig people
like you . It is you that make it
possible for us to accomplish our
diverse set of missions , protect our
national interests and take the fight
to the enemy . Each of your individual
efforts combined to make this wing
ready for anything and deadly effective
against our adversaries . So this
coming Saturday , May 18th , we will
observe Armed Forces Day and celebrate
our shared and continuing devotion to
the security of this country , our
allies and the principles of democracy .
I encourage you to take some time
during armed forces day to reflect on
the challenges that we as a nation face
today . Realize that you are of a
select few that have stepped up and
volunteered to defend this country .
You are the true patriots of the time .
Thank you for your service most
especially , thank you for being a part
of the 102nd . I am honored to be
standing by your side .