United States Armed Forces Day is observed in the USA on the third Saturday of May, following Armed Forces Week, which begins on the second Saturday of May. This holiday was established on August 31, 1949, to honor American soldiers serving in the five branches of the U.S. military: the Navy, Army, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Air Force. It was created to consolidate the various military branch celebrations into a single day, although separate observances still occur within each service. The day is marked by various events such as parades, air shows, open houses, and receptions, with the longest-running city parade taking place in Bremerton, Washington. National Guard and Reserve units may celebrate Armed Forces Day at different times throughout May due to their training schedules.