Honoring and Celebrating "Armed Forces Day" on May 16th, 2026, in the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, Armed Forces Day is celebrated each year on the third Saturday in May. It was created on August 31, 1949, thanks to the efforts of President Harry S. Truman to create a holiday in honor of all Americans serving in the Armed Forces, which include the United States Army, the United States Navy, the United States Marine Corps, the United States Air Force, the United States Coast Guard, and the United States Space Force; and

WHEREAS, As of 2025, there were 1.3 to 1.4 million active personnel and approximately 766,044 reserve personnel serving our nation across the globe. These patriots serve our nation with honor and bravery and often face hostile life-risking situations, and sacrifice everyday to secure the very freedoms our citizens cherish. They serve in challenging climates and their families are often required to frequently move and set up life in new communities, sometimes at a moment’s notice. Also, in some instances, a service member is separated from their family for a lengthy period of time; and

WHEREAS, Armed Forces Day is enthusiastically celebrated each year across the nation with parades, open houses, receptions, air shows, meet-and-greet opportunities, and educational programs that allow all Americans to show their appreciation for our Armed Forces personnel and everything they do daily to serve and protect our nation; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby heartily honors and celebrates "Armed Forces Day" on May th, 2026, and thanks each and every member of the United States military for their service and for the sacrifices they make for our nation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island Adjutant General, Major General Andrew J. Chevalier.