Armed Forces Day is traditionally celebrated the third Saturday of May. It was created in 1949 to thank our military members for their patriotic service and declared a national holiday by President John F. Kennedy in 1961.
The actual day of commemoration coincides with the Veterans March on America, which is a nationwide event showing support for veterans’ rights.
The local march is from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at the Oregon State Capitol. Veterans and supporters are invited to gather before 4 p.m. at Willson Park on the Capitol grounds and then march as a group around the statehouse via Court, State and Waverly streets.