Saturday, May 17, is National Armed Forces Day. It is a day where we recognize the outstanding sacrifices and bravery of the men and women who serve in all branches of the armed forces. The third Saturday in May each year is always reserved for these heroic people who leave their families, friends and the comforts and familiarity of home to go where no such things exist. They do so, many times, at a moment’s notice. The training they must undergo is both mental and physical. They are sent to far reaches of the world where conflict and people collide. Their lives are forever changed. The way the see the world is viewed through a prism few of us ever will.
It is more than appropriate for American citizens, who rely on these soldiers, to take a day to ‘thank’ them for their service. For they not only serve our country but they serve each of us as individuals.
The Five Branches of the Military include: The Army, The Air Force, The Navy, The Marine Corps and the Coast Guard.
Branch |
Active Personnel |
Reserve Personnel |
| Air Force | 329,638 | 68,872 |
| Army | 561,984 | 205,000 |
| Coast Guard | 41,873 | 8,100 |
| Marine Corps | 200,827 | 40,000 |
| Navy | 321,053 | 106,188 |
Many of the men and women you know today that are in one of these branches of the military may have served in one of the last 5 conflicts. The combined causalities from these last 5 wars numbered 118,319 service men and women. The war with the greatest amount of causalities was the Vietnam War which lasted from 1959 to April 30, 1975 with 58,193 deaths. The Persian Gulf War was the shortest in duration (August 2, 1990 to February 28, 1991) of the 5 most recent wars and had the least amount of casualties at 378. The wounded totals for these most recent conflicts numbered 188,529. Statistics for those missing in action from the Vietnam and Korean Wars total 10,090.
This day should be celebrated and the people who wear the uniforms of our Armed Forces deserve our utmost respect and admiration. When you see someone in uniform, know that each one of these men and women represent all of the people before them who have sacrificed so much to maintain the liberties and freedoms of the citizens in the U.S. Many have paid the ultimate price with their own lives.
At Concrete Raising Systems, we would like to honor our service men and women by offering a discount in the month of May and June to anyone who is serving or who has served in any branch of the military. It is a small way we can do what we can do to let you know we appreciate you, your sacrifices and your service.
We are a Grateful Nation indeed.