Armed Forces Day message Published May 13, 2011 By Lt. Gen. Burton M. Field YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- To the Men and Women of U.S. Forces, Japan, Our nation will observe Armed Forces Day on Saturday, May 21. First created in 1949 to replace separate days for each of our Services, President Kennedy established it as an official holiday in 1962. Armed Forces Day is the single holiday for Americans to come together and thank military members for their patriotic service to our country. As the U.S. Forces, Japan Commander, I am constantly impressed by your tremendous service to your country and to the people of Japan. Let's face it, being a service member requires daily dedication, sacrifice, and a constant pursuit of excellence. Our work requires commitment, service, and a selfless willingness to devote ourselves to causes much larger than a single person or unit. Your performance during Operation TOMODACHI is the most recent example of your sense of duty, responsibility, and commitment to your fellow man. By any measure, your performance was exemplary. Thank you very much for what you do each and every day. Once again you have demonstrated the value of our forward presence and the remarkable ability of the US Armed Forces to handle highly complex problems with extraordinary competence and dignity. On this Armed Forces Day, please take a moment to reflect on your chosen path in life. Know you make a difference almost every day, often with people you may never meet. I am honored and humbled to walk that chosen path with you.