May is the month to honor men and women in the U.S armed forces, and the third Saturday in May is celebrated as Armed Forces Day, this year falling on May 18. To learn more about the Armed Forces, check out our article: Facts About Military and Careers Serving America
Newsweek has put together this guide on deals for anyone who serves in active duty or the reserves, veterans and their families, for Armed Forces Day.
Who Created Armed Forces Day?
According to the Department of Defense, Armed Forces Day was created by Louis A. Johnson, the U.S. secretary of defense at the time, in August 1949. Prior to this, the armed forces had been under different departments, and the administration had recently brought them under one roof.
It was a year later, 1950, when the first Armed Forces Day was celebrated. According to the government's website, 10,000 soldiers from all branches of the armed forces marched past President Harry S. Truman and his administration in Washington, D.C.
Armed Forces Day Deals
Blue Star Museums: From May 18 until September 2, Blue Star Museums is collaborating with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Blue Star Familes and the Department of Defense to offer free admission to over 2,000 museums across America.
Armed forces personnel, including reserves and the National Guard, need to show their "Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID" according to the NEA website. Up to five family members are allowed to go in free too, so well worth a visit to your nearest participating museum.
HealthSource Chiropractic: According to Military.com, active and former military personnel can get free exams and x-rays throughout May.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center: During May 2019, the centers in Boston, Philadephia and Westchester are offering free admission to all active duty, reserves and veterans. Families and friends of the armed forces get 50 percent off admission.
Navy Federal Credit Union: Armed forces on active duty can open a new checking account, receiving $25 for selecting digital combined statements and receive $250 to refinance a current auto loan.
Sherwin-Williams: May is the time for any DIY projects if you're in the armed forces. Military and veterans can save an additional 10 percent on paints and stains, according to Sherwin-Williams.
Virginia Aquarium: Learn about marine-life on Sundays and Mondays throughout May. Anyone who shows a "valid military ID" will get 50 percent off admission.
Worlds of Fun: Armed forces personnel can get complimentary admission to the theme park on May 18, as well as purchase up to six discounted tickets for immediate family.
Alpha Industries: According to the company's website, all active duty, reserve members and veterns of the armed forces are eligiable to recieve 30 percent off and free shipping.
Applebee's: Throughout May, the "neighbourhood grill" will be offering 15 percent off meals to active members and veterans of the armed forces. On May 18, those eligible will also receive a $5 bonus card to use another day.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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Sophia Waterfield is a reporter for Newsweek based at its London bureau. She has written for publications such as Metro UK, ... Read more
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