Armed Forces Day events across the country brought public ceremonies, displays and remarks that focused on service members now in uniform, their families and future leaders, with local gatherings tying community recognition to national observance.
MILVETS held its 40th annual Armed Forces Day luncheon in Columbus at Villa Milano in north Columbus, honoring veterans, current military leaders, military families and students preparing for service, organizers said.
Carrie Killingsworth, MILVETS president, described the military community as a tapestry and said "Together, these threads form a fabric that is strong, resilient and enduring." The luncheon also recognized scholarship recipients, organizers said.
10TV anchor Stacia Naquin served as master of ceremonies and reflected on growing up in a military family, while program remarks came from Ohio Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Matthew Woodruff and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Kayla Cunningham, MILVETS leaders said.
Air Force JROTC leaders from Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center participated, including Senior Master Sergeant Eduard "Mike" Dedousis (Ret.) and Cadet Colonel Marilyn Lucero, sources said.
Attendees paused to honor the sacrifice of airmen from the 121st Air Refueling Wing, and the program closed with the Armed Forces Medley performed by the Powell Community Band alongside Staff Sergeant Szu-Yu Chu with the 338th Army Band.
Other Observances And Community Activities
In Torrance, California, a military aircraft was escorted by police as it was towed from Torrance Airport to City Yard ahead of local Armed Forces Day festivities, KABC reported.
Video from AIR7 showed the aircraft moving through city streets around 10:30 p.m., and the display was scheduled to open to the public at 10 a.m. the following day, KABC said.
The Torrance parade was set to run along Torrance Boulevard on Saturday afternoon, the television station reported, with the aircraft intended as an exhibit for the public celebration.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars in Kansas City issued remarks observing Armed Forces Day, noting the day honors active duty, Guard and Reserve soldiers, Marines, sailors, airmen, guardians and Coast Guardsmen, the VFW said.
The VFW urged Americans to move beyond reflection, recommending tangible support for those serving and their families, and noting its membership and Auxiliary encourage year round gratitude and assistance.
Guidance in an Armed Forces Day explainer in the sources makes a related distinction, saying the observance specifically honors currently serving members rather than veterans or the fallen, and that it falls on the third Saturday in May each year, with installations often hosting open houses and demonstrations.
MILVETS leaders said the luncheon and other community events serve as reminders that the legacy of military service continues through veterans, current service members, families and future generations alike, and that local ceremonies play a role in that continuity.
