On May 20, a salute to those who serve us

On

May 20, a salute to those who serve us

Saturday, May 20, is

the 50th anniversary of Armed Forces Day. For the last 50

years, on the third Saturday in May, Americans have come

together to celebrate Armed Forces Day and pay honor to

those who so valiantly serve in the defense of our

nation.

The theme of this year's

Armed Forces Day - "Saluting America's

Best" - expresses the appreciation many

Americans have for the outstanding quality and

considerable service of our men and women in uniform.

This past year, perhaps

more than any in recent memory, their skills and

commitment have been tested. They continue to patrol the

dangerous skies over Iraq, provided relief and rescue in

the wake of natural disasters in Venezuela and

Mozambique, continue to stand watch on the Korean

peninsula, and worked to establish peace and stability in

Kosovo and Bosnia.

Wherever they serve, their

work helps spread the blessings of freedom and democracy.

And whether they serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force,

Marines, or Coast Guard, Armed Forces Day is their day to

receive the American public's acknowledgement for service

and sacrifice we all too often take for granted.

We encourage all segments

of society, including the media, to use this day to

reflect on the role of our military in society -

their service and sacrifice to ensure our freedom, and

the important security challenges we face as a nation as

we approach the 21st Century. Specifically, we encourage

you to pay tribute to the men and women in uniform on

your editorial page this week and to focus on some of the

pressing issues facing our military.

- We continue to

attract the best and the brightest, but with the strong

economy and a larger percentage of recruiting age

population attending college, the challenges facing our

recruiters have never been greater.

- The Cold War implied

a less dangerous world. But there have been 99 major

deployment of troops since 1990 at the same time we have

drawn down the number of troops and equipment. This is

putting a tremendous challenge on our troops who have

responded with the greatest of professionalism.

- The military is

spending the time and resources to prepare for the

battles of today as well as the conflicts of the future.

You can get general

information about the military and the latest issues

through our web site - www.defenselink.mil -

and its Armed Forces Day section.

Jim Desler

Deputy Assistant

Secretary of Defense For Public Affairs