The following was written by veteran Brett Kulbis, who serves as National Veterans Coalition Director for Convention of States Action
Armed Forces Day may appear as a simple line on the calendar, but for our nation—now marking its 250th birthday—and for many families, it carries a deep weight of pride, memory, and gratitude. It is a day to pause in our ordinary lives and remember the extraordinary people who choose to serve.
Established in 1949 by President Harry S. Truman, Armed Forces Day symbolizes the strength of a single, united military team. It honors every branch—the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard—and reminds us that our freedom, born from the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago this year, is safeguarded by dedicated men and women standing watch on our behalf.
We may picture parades, salutes, uniforms, and flags, but behind every uniform is a story: a parent missing milestones, a young adult growing up far from home, a spouse staying strong through long deployments. Their courage is woven into quiet, everyday choices to keep going, to show up, and to serve with honor—much like the sacrifices that built this nation from its founding in 1776.
Our freedoms—speaking our minds, worshiping as we choose, gathering with family, dreaming about the future—are upheld by people many of us will never meet, yet who think of us every day. Their service, whether on distant soil, at sea, in the skies, at bases, or in hospitals, reflects the best of who we are as a nation, guardians of the ideals that have endured for 250 years.
So what can we do, as veterans and patriots? We can say “Thank you” and truly mean it. We can teach our children why this day exists, and recognize courage and sacrifice in our own neighborhoods. We can listen when service members or veterans share, and honor their silence when they cannot.
This Armed Forces Day, as we approach America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, let us do more than offer a quick word of thanks. Let us honor them through unity, respect, and a renewed commitment to the ideals they defend. A handshake, a note, a call, a post, or a quiet moment of reflection—all of these gestures matter.
If you are serving, please hear this from one grateful veteran: You are seen. You are valued. Your sacrifices, both visible and invisible, matter deeply. And to the families who stand behind you, often outside the spotlight, your strength and love help hold our nation together.
Today, we celebrate our heroes not just for their uniforms, but for their unwavering spirit and devotion to the promise of America: liberty, justice, and peace for all. May we remember the faces, speak the names, and hold a moment of gratitude, keeping faith with those who keep watch for us.