May the Force Be With You!: Celebrate Armed Forces Day May 17th 2014!

Armed Forces Day 2014 Poster from the  Department of Defense 

Be valiant and soldier on! Today is Armed Forces Day. A day when we celebrate the commitment and upstanding contributions that our men and women in uniform endorse by protecting our freedoms in the face of bodily harm, unknown peril and even death.

Thank you for all our soldiers' efforts, living and dead, who have helped make America a stronger and more resilient nation throughout our history. Without you, we would live in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty.

Armed Forces Day is celebrated the third Sunday of every May and combines all branches of the military including the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Air Force and our National Guard.


The following are ways that you can thank a soldier today and everyday:

• Schedule a visit to a local VA hospital. Unfortunately, many who sacrifice their lives for their country are often forgotten and lost to the traumatic effects of PTSD. A kind smile and generosity goes a long way to those in such dire need and pain.
• Volunteer for a local military family operation such as the USO.
• Hang red white and blue bunting or the American flag outside your door.
• If you see a soldier, thank him or her for his or her service.
• Read books to your children about the military. Ask your librarian to locate books which are developmentally-appropriate for your child's age. 
• Teachers can help young children whose parents are in the process of military deployment by printing out this treasure trove of exceptional  and supportive books compiled by NAEYC pertaining to military deployment: http://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/200803/BTJ_Military_Deploy_Resources.pdf and  Books for Military Children by the Association of the United States Army at http://www.ausa.org/resources/familyprograms/resources/readinglist/Pages/BooksforMilitaryChildren.aspx  Also, read the following poem from Apples4theteacher.com: http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/armed-forces-day/poems-rhymes/my-little-smart-trooper.html
• Read the following poems from Apples4theteacher.com : 

We Stood For Freedom

by Roger Robicheau

We stood for freedom just like you And loved the flag you cherish too Our uniforms felt great to wear You know the feel, and how you care In step we marched, the cadence way The same is true with you today Oh how we tried to do our best As you do now, from test to test How young we were and proud to be Defenders of true liberty So many thoughts bind soldiers well The facts may change, not how we jell Each soldier past, and you now here Do share what will not disappear One thought now comes, straight from my heart For soldiers home, whoe done their part I honored to have served with you May Godly peace, help get you through And now I end with a request Do ponder this, while home at rest America, respect our day Each veteran, helped freedom stay ©2002 Roger J. Robicheau Armed Forces Day by Del "Abe" Jones At the urging of Harry Truman The third Saturday in May The new Department of Defense Proclaimed it, "Armed Forces Day". A day to Thank all the Services Who defend our air, land, and sea Who serve our Country Proudly Defending, this Land of the Free. All those young Men and Women And too, all of those "oldsters" Who march, fly, and set sail As Airmen, Sailors, Marines and Soldiers. Some of them serve as "Regulars" And some just do, the weekend But all step forward, Strong and Proud When we need someone to send. The times have been a'changing And missions they are asked to Grow much more complicated Than what, they used to do. They must be Warrior and Diplomat With clenched fist or gentle touch Pass the ammunition, feed the hungry Build roads, hospitals, and such. "A Tradition of Heroes" Is what some people say And, we all owe them a, "Thank you!" On this, "Armed Forces Day"

• Visit a war museum such as the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park in Illinois. This museums incredibly detailed exhibits and walk-through recreations of the battle of Normandy and the sultry and terrifying jungles of Vietnam are absolutely mind-numbing and haunting. Visit their website at http://www.cantigny.org/.