“The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten” 

- President Calvin Coolidge

MISSION STATEMENT

  • Promote public awareness and involvement in recognizing the valor, sacrifice and honorable service to community, state and nation by today’s active duty, reserve and National Guard military service members.​
  • Collaborate with other like-minded community groups and individuals in organizing observances for Veterans Day and Memorial Day as approved by the Armed Forces Day Coordinating Council of Indianapolis, Inc.
  • Support and participate in annual observance of the U.S. Department of Defense Armed Forces Day during the month of May within the greater Indianapolis area​

History

On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department -- the Department of Defense. Each of the military leagues and orders was asked to drop sponsorship of its specific service day in order to celebrate the newly announced Armed Forces Day. The Army, Navy and Air Force leagues adopted the newly formed day. The Marine Corps League declined to drop support for Marine Corps Day but supports Armed Forces Day, too.

2019 Armed Forces Day Council

President: 
1st Vice President: 
2nd Vice President: 
3rd Vice President: 
Director: 
Director: 
Treasurer: 
Secretary: 
 
Vice Admiral Terry M. Cross, U.S. Coast Guard (Retired)
Colonel Jack Querfeld, U.S. Army (Retired)
Brigadier General J. Stewart Goodwin, U.S. Air Force (Retired)
​Colonel Shane Halbrook, U.S. Air Force
Rear Admiral Charles A. Rainey, U.S. Navy (Retired)
John Crosby,  (Sergeant, U.S. Army)
​Shawn Long, C.P.A., (Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps)
Lieutenant Commander Jill Druskis, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve (Retired)
Meets in Room 301
The American Legion, National Headquarters
700 N. Pennsylvannia Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204