Coast Guard Academy to celebrate Armed Forces Day with Sunset Review - Coast Guard News

U.S. Coast Guard Academy cadets conduct a regimental review Sunday, May 15, 2011, at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. The review was held to honor the parents and families of graduating cadets. U.S. Coast Guard photograph by Petty Officer 1st Class NyxoLyno Cangemi

U.S. Coast Guard Academy cadets conduct a regimental review. U.S. Coast Guard photograph by Petty Officer 1st Class NyxoLyno Cangemi

NEW LONDON, Conn. — The U.S. Coast Guard Academy invites the public to attend a Sunset Drill Review Parade Sunday, May 17, in celebration of Armed Forces Day and National Military Appreciation Month. The Drill is scheduled to take place at 7:30 p.m. on Washington Parade Field at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy campus at 31 Mohegan Ave., New London, Conn.

Armed Forces Day falls annually on the third Saturday of May. It is a time to honor Americans in uniform who served their country in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. National Guard and Reserve units are also included.

The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated Saturday, May 20, 1950. In 1999, Senator John McCain introduced legislation to designate the month of May as National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM). Both the Senate and House of Representatives adopted resolutions calling for Americans to recognize and honor U.S. service members during NMAM.