Army Day: April 6th

Not to be confused with the Army’s birthday, which is celebrated on June 14th, Army Day traces its origins to the little known Defense Test Day celebrated in 1924 and 1925. After Congress disallowed any further observances of this day, Colonel Thatcher Luquer established Army Day to be celebrated on May 1, 1929 in hopes of dampening Communists' celebration of Workers' Day, which is celebrate on the same day. After its initial celebration, Army Day was moved to April 6th, the anniversary date of the United States' entry into World War I.

Army Day was established as an observance to draw public attention to national defense as well as to acquaint the public with Army activities. Additionally, the day was used to stress the need for military preparedness, which at the time, the nation had lacked as it entered earlier major conflicts. On April 4, 1936, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt issued a proclamation stating that Army Day be recognized by Congress as April 6th and observed nationwide. Later on March 1, 1937, Congress passed Resolution #5-75 which officially recognized Army Day.

Army Day is best celebrated by doing your part to remind our veterans that their sacrifices are appreciated. Remember that everything they do helps us live the lives of peace and security that we experience daily. Volunteering at homeless shelters is a great way of ensuring that veterans that need our help the most get it. Unfortunately, it is a fact that a disturbing number our veterans fall through the cracks after they return home from their service. Army Day is your chance to help make a difference in the lives of people who gave everything to make a difference in yours.