Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors and Piney Woods Chapter #931 of the Vietnam Veterans of America are hosting a community observation of Armed Forces Day. This free, public program will be held at the Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel, located at 5400 North St. in Nacogdoches, at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, May 20, 2017. Registration begins at 3:30 p.m.
This year’s event, beginning at 4:00 p.m., will be highlighted by an impressive “Missing Man Ceremony,” performed by the Veterans of Piney Woods Chapter #931. Other participants will include Boy Scout Troop #161 of First United Methodist Church, Heart of the Pines chorus singers, who will be offering favorite patriotic songs and our local Patriot Guard Riders. A “Gold Star Mother” recognition will be conducted by George Lowery. This “Gold Star” special distinction is offered recognizing the family with a son or daughter making the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our armed forces.
Americans celebrate Armed Forces Day annual on the third Saturday of May. It is a day to pay tribute to men and women who serve or have served the United States Armed Forces. It is part of Armed Forces Week, which begins on the second Saturday of May.
Many events take place on this day to honor Americans who served their country in war and in peace. We honor the men and women who served in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. National Guard and Reserve units may celebrate Forces day/week over any period in May because of their training schedules.
On August 31, 1949, Louis Johnson, who was United States Secretary of Defense announced the creation of Armed Forces Day to replace Army, Navy, and Air Force Days. The Army, Navy, and Air Force league adopted the newly formed day, while the Marine Corp League declined to drop support for Marine Corp Day but supported Armed Forces Day. May 20, 1950, was the first Armed Forces Day to show “state of the art” equipment to Americans. It was a day to honor and acknowledge America’s Armed Forces. Armed Forces Day is still celebrated nationwide today.
Certain types of music are played at Armed Forces Day events, including memorials and at cemeteries. As a way to respect those in the armed forces who died for their country, buglers have played a bugle call known as “Taps” on Armed Forces Day. In recent years, “Taps” is usually sounded by United States Military at events such as flag ceremonies, memorial services, and funerals.
Everyone is invited to come out to Cason Monk-Metcalf’s Sunset Chapel to celebrate Armed Forces Day. Bring your family and friends for fellowship, food, and visitation. Cason Monk-Metcalf will be serving free hot dogs and root beer floats after the program.
Interested persons may contact Constance Engelking, manager at Cason Monk-Metcalf, at 936-564-7333 for more information.
