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SatMay 24

Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day – May 24, 2025

Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day, also referred to as ARMAD and celebrated on May 24 this year, is an annual holiday on which amateur radio operators from around the world collaborate to allow members of various communities the opportunity to gather in public places (like a Walmart, public parks, or football game). Members of the community express their support verbally and in real-time, over a two-way radio for military members, and those who are affiliated with the military (veterans, coalition forces, first responders, and military support groups). Military members get to hear and feel the appreciation of the members of the community. It is an opportunity to express openly and verbally thank those at the frontlines.

History of Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day

The history of America’s military can be traced back to June 14, 1775, with the formation of the Continental Army. The other components of the military, namely the Continental Navy, established on October 13, 1775, and Continental Marines, established on November 10, 1775, were created by the Second Continental Congress to defend the region in the American Revolutionary War.

These military forces were demobilized as part of The Treaty of Paris, which ended the war for independence. On June 3, 1784, the Congress of the Confederation established the United States Army, as it is known today. The United States Navy was founded on March 27, 1794, and the current United States Marine Corps was founded on July 11, 1798. The adoption of the Constitution in 1787 gave the United States Congress the authority to “raise and support armies, provide and maintain a navy, and make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces,” as well as the power to declare war.

The Commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces is the President of the United States of America. Every year, in recognition of the services rendered by America’s military forces, the president issues a proclamation to remind Americans of the military’s importance in the history and development of the United States. Because of the other individual holidays that celebrate military achievements, the month of May was chosen to commemorate military appreciation.

Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day timeline

1775
Continental Forces are Established

The Continental forces (including the army and marines) are established in 1775 to defend the region in the American Revolutionary War.

1776
The United States Gains Independence

The United States officially gains independence in 1776.

1784
The United States Army is Established

The current United States Army is established in 1784.

1798
The United States Marine Corps is Established

The current United States Marine Corps, as it is known today, is established.

Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day FAQs

What is Amateur Radio Military Appreciation day?

Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day, observed in May, is a holiday for appreciating the military over the radio.

When was the U.S. Army founded?

The United States Army, as it is known today, was founded on June 3, 1784. It was preceded by the Continental Army, which was founded in 1775.

Has any president served in the Army before?

Yes. A total of 31 American Presidents have served in the U.S. military forces. Of that number, 16 have served in the Army specifically, including Theodore Roosevelt.

How to Observe Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day

  1. Give a radio shout-out to service members

    A good idea for Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day would be to send a radio shout-out to a service member. You never know, you could just make a new friend!

  2. Donate to the military

    Celebrate Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day by donating to the military in whatever possible form. It can be food, money, clothes, or anything you think they may need.

  3. Post an open letter online

    You can post an open letter to your social media page or other online platforms. Tag military handles so that your message is acknowledged.

5 Facts About The United States Military

  1. One of America’s oldest institutions

    The United States Army is one of the oldest institutions in America and has had its foundations in the Continental Army, which is even older than the country itself.

  2. The Army employs over 1,000,000 personnel

    The Army employs over 1,000,000 personnel in a variety of fields, thereby contributing effectively to keeping Americans employed.

  3. The Army has 500 dogs

    The United States Army has up to 500 dogs in its K9 unit.

  4. The Army has produced 16 Presidents

    A total of 16 Presidents of the United States have served in the United States Army before becoming the president.

  5. The Army mapped much of the U.S.

    Much of the geographical setup of the United States was mapped by the U.S. Army.

Why Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day is Important

  1. The military works to protect our frontiers

    The service members of the United States military dedicate their lives to protecting our frontiers. The citizens of the United States love them for it.

  2. It’s a day to celebrate our heroes

    ARMAD is one of the many days which are set aside to celebrate our heroes in the military, coalition forces, and first responders. Celebrate today!

  3. Opportunity to express appreciation for the military

    The Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day is a great opportunity for us to show appreciation for our service members in the military. Go ahead, show your appreciation with your family and friends on this day!

Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day dates

Year Date Day
2022 May 28 Saturday
2023 May 27 Saturday
2024 May 25 Saturday
2025 May 24 Saturday
2026 May 23 Saturday