• VISIT

    Plan Your Visit

    • Plan Your Visit
    • Adult Programs, Team Building & Guided Tours
    • Virtual Reality
    • Birthday Parties

    Exhibits

    • Campus Map
    • Aircraft Exhibits
    • Aircraft Lists
    • Aircraft Projects
    • Exhibition Updates
    • Aircraft Restoration

    Events

    • Upcoming Events
    • Event News
    • Event Photos
    • Past Events
    • Event Space Rental
  • LEARN

    Education Center

    • About the National STEM Academy
    • Educator Resource Center
    • Lending Library
    • Education News
    • STEM News
    • STAR Partners
    • Education Donations
    • STARBASE Robins
    • Volunteer Opportunities with the National STEM Academy

    Field Trips & Education Programs

    • Virtual Field Trips
    • ‘On the Go’ Outreach Programs
    • Guided Tours and History Programs (Ages 5 – Adult)
    • Ace & Wonder Wings STEM Program (Pre-K – 5th)
    • Mission Quest Flight Simulators & Space Programs (6th – Adult)
    • Homeschool Programs

    Education Events

    • Summer Camps
    • STEM Labs and Events
    • Educator STEM Conference
    • Space Week
    • Birthday Parties
    • Scout Programs
  • SUPPORT

    Giving

    • Annual Fund
    • Education Donations
    • Memorial and Honor Gifts
    • Endowment Funds
    • B-17 Flying Fortress Fund
    • Playground Remodel Fund
    • Restoration Project Support

    Join Us

    • Membership Friends of the Museum
    • Sustaining Partners
    • Star Partners

    Get Involved

    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Kroger Program
  • SHOP

    Products

    • All Products
    • Armed Forces Gifts
    • Books
    • Clothing
    • Georgia Gifts
    • Lithographs
    • Miscellaneous

    Products

    • Museum Souvenirs
    • Patches
    • Posters
    • Puzzlers
    • Robin Air Force Base
    • SR-71 Blackbird
    • Toys
  • ABOUT

    About the Museum

    • About the Museum
    • Awards Received
    • Foundation Board of Directors
    • Board of Governors
    • National Board of Advisors
    • Museum Staff
    • Board Member Access

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Tell Us How We’re Doing
    • Subscribe for Updates
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • Instagram
    • Flickr

    In the News

    • All News
    • Blog
    • Connecting with Veterans
    • News Articles
    • Military History
Supporting the U.S. Air Force Museum | Welcome to the Museum of Aviation Foundation Website
(478) 926-6870
Email Us
Connecting with Veterans
Museum of Aviation
  • VISIT

    Plan Your Visit

    • Plan Your Visit
    • Adult Programs, Team Building & Guided Tours
    • Virtual Reality
    • Birthday Parties

    Exhibits

    • Campus Map
    • Aircraft Exhibits
    • Aircraft Lists
    • Aircraft Projects
    • Exhibition Updates
    • Aircraft Restoration

    Events

    • Upcoming Events
    • Event News
    • Event Photos
    • Past Events
    • Event Space Rental
  • LEARN

    Education Center

    • About the National STEM Academy
    • Educator Resource Center
    • Lending Library
    • Education News
    • STEM News
    • STAR Partners
    • Education Donations
    • STARBASE Robins
    • Volunteer Opportunities with the National STEM Academy

    Field Trips & Education Programs

    • Virtual Field Trips
    • ‘On the Go’ Outreach Programs
    • Guided Tours and History Programs (Ages 5 – Adult)
    • Ace & Wonder Wings STEM Program (Pre-K – 5th)
    • Mission Quest Flight Simulators & Space Programs (6th – Adult)
    • Homeschool Programs

    Education Events

    • Summer Camps
    • STEM Labs and Events
    • Educator STEM Conference
    • Space Week
    • Birthday Parties
    • Scout Programs
  • SUPPORT

    Giving

    • Annual Fund
    • Education Donations
    • Memorial and Honor Gifts
    • Endowment Funds
    • B-17 Flying Fortress Fund
    • Playground Remodel Fund
    • Restoration Project Support

    Join Us

    • Membership Friends of the Museum
    • Sustaining Partners
    • Star Partners

    Get Involved

    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Kroger Program
  • SHOP

    Products

    • All Products
    • Armed Forces Gifts
    • Books
    • Clothing
    • Georgia Gifts
    • Lithographs
    • Miscellaneous

    Products

    • Museum Souvenirs
    • Patches
    • Posters
    • Puzzlers
    • Robin Air Force Base
    • SR-71 Blackbird
    • Toys
  • ABOUT

    About the Museum

    • About the Museum
    • Awards Received
    • Foundation Board of Directors
    • Board of Governors
    • National Board of Advisors
    • Museum Staff
    • Board Member Access

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Tell Us How We’re Doing
    • Subscribe for Updates
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • Instagram
    • Flickr

    In the News

    • All News
    • Blog
    • Connecting with Veterans
    • News Articles
    • Military History

Honor Armed Forces Day with Fun Activities for the Whole Family

  • Home
  • Honor Armed Forces Day with Fun Activities for the Whole Family

Honor Armed Forces Day with Fun Activities for the Whole Family

  • Posted by Museum of Aviation
  • Date May 7, 2018
upcoming events, museum of aviation foundation, nonprofit organization

armed-forces-day-1On the third Saturday of every May, the United States of America celebrates Armed Forces Day. Since the holiday was created back in 1949, it has been a day to celebrate not just one or two of our military branches, but all of them together.

Unlike Veterans Day, which is November 11 every year, Armed Forces Day gears itself to celebrating the men and women still active in the service of our country. It is also a day to teach our children exactly how the military serves us in our daily lives.

It has become a day on which the officers and enlisted men and women can show off their state-of-the-art airplanes, weaponry, armor and other technology.

Themes

Throughout the years, each Armed Forces Day has followed a theme. The first one, back in 1950, was “Teamed Up For Defense,” which celebrated every branch of the military together for the first time. Since then, the themes have varied, including the noble concepts of “liberty” and “patriotism,” or more nuanced ideas such as “Freedom Through Unity.”

This Armed Forces Day, which falls on Saturday, May 19, 2018, the theme is “All Across America.” An official Twitter hashtag will accompany Armed Forces Day this year, #KnowYourMil.

#KnowYourMil

The social media hashtag, which became an official initiative for the United States Department of Defense in January, was introduced to teach civilians about the military — and more importantly, the people who serve in the military.

The Department of Defense seems to feel that civilians see the military as a “lethal fighting force” and not much more. The truth is that the job encompasses so much more.

What can we do to change the perception in our own minds and the minds of our children and families? First, we can get more information on the different branches of the military. Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy are usually the first to come to mind. Less likely to be automatically recalled are the Coast Guard, the Merchant Marines and the Army National Guard.

Air Force

armed-forces-day-2

Our men and women of the sky, the Air Force, lives high above the ground. This branch of the military specializes in any travel, cargo or rescue that might require assistance from above. The Air Force also tends to create the most astronauts and other space explorers, from the scientists on the ground to the men and women living in the International Space Station.

If you’re already in the area, the National Museum of the United States Air Force near Dayton, Ohio would be a perfect place to take the kids. This year, the last day of the Memphis Belle exhibit falls on Armed Forces Day, showcasing the World War II heavy bomber that completed 25 missions before being decommissioned. After the event, the Memphis Belle will reside at the museum permanently.

If you’re unable to travel to Ohio, don’t fret. There are still plenty of air-themed crafts you can do at home. For younger children, you could print out free airplane coloring pages. While coloring, discuss what Air Force One’s purpose is: protecting the president. Scholastic News is a great place to find information geared toward growing little brains.

Another fun STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) themed craft for kids of all ages is creating a Balloon Hovercraft. All this craft requires is a couple old CDs, some glue, balloons and a few water bottle lids — and you can turn the science of air travel into something the family can literally hold in their hands.

Army

armed-forces-day-3

The army is the bread and butter of the military; they are the soldiers that come to mind when someone utters the word “military.” Much more than just ground troops, however, the army employs some of the most scientific- and engineering-minded individuals in the United States. Their primary purpose is keeping us safe, both inside and outside our country’s borders.

The National Museum of the United States Army isn’t quite ready to open yet. However, they do offer an “online museum” during construction. The museum dedicates this virtual experience to the Vietnam War, with pages filled by pictures and stories beginning as soon as the United States touched down in Vietnam.

A more hands-on option would be to craft paper models of United States Army military vehicles. At a scale of 250 times smaller than the real vehicles, these are a perfect addition to anyone’s model car set, and you can make them at home.

Navy

The Navy is the United States aquatic force, which covers a broad spectrum of operations. For instance, their fantastically trained Blue Angels and other air teams specialize in flying to and from carrier ships located in the ocean. Any submarines or other oceanic vessels usually belong to the Navy as well.

The United States Navy has many official museums across the country, some located in Illinois, Virginia and Florida. These museums showcase everything about the ever-adaptable Navy, from their aviation sector to submarines to the United States Naval Academy.

Merchant Marines

During peace times, the Merchant Marines are a fleet of ships that carry goods to and from the country, not unlike non-military merchant vessels. During times of war or trouble, however, they are frequently used to deliver troops or arms.

The United States Merchant Marines have a museum dedicated to them, just as every other branch does. Although the Merchant Marines — and everyone else, really — always prefer peace to war, their contributions to our safety are no less significant than any other soldier or sailor. Located in Kings Point, New York, the museum is ready for your visit on Armed Forces Day.

If you can’t get to New York, Armed Forces Day would be the perfect time to explore what it might mean to be on a merchant ship. You can create a fleet of ships with construction paper and paper towel rolls, or spark the imagination by telling or writing a story as a family about the crew of the flagship.

Marine Corps

The United States Marine Corps, on the other hand, is a specially trained force that deals with “amphibious operations,” or tasks that take place both in and out of the water.

This year, the National Museum of the Marine Corps, located in Triangle Virginia, will showcase “History in Your Hands” — an exhibit specially designed for those who are blind or visually impaired — the Sunday after Armed Forces Day. Along with their many other permanent exhibits, it makes a fun adventure for any family.

More Ideas

There are plenty of activities to do with the kids and family that incorporate themes of the United States military. You could learn the military alphabet or how to correctly fold and care for the American Flag — just be careful to not let it touch the ground. Luckily, there are a ton of ways to celebrate the day in a meaningful way.

 

 

Image Links

http://afd.defense.gov/Portals/110/Images/AFD2018.jpg

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/bangkok-nov-18-air-force-one-120036109?src=wuLImL9fSJQhQnfng9EagA-1-24

http://www.raisingourkids.com/coloring-pages/patriotic/military/free/014-army-navy-printables.gif

 

 

Article by Jennifer Grant

  • Share:
author avatar
Museum of Aviation

The Museum of Aviation has grown to become the second largest museum in the United States Air Force and the fourth most visited museum in the Department of Defense. The museum is a place that honors our veterans and their families and reminds our Airmen of their legendary Air Force heritage.

Previous post

Restoration Update as of April 2018
May 7, 2018

Next post

Korean War POW
May 7, 2018

You may also like

1703bfd0-e5dc-4bba-a7e5-ad2e4f55748c-medium16x9_NIGHTATTHEMUSEUM_0019_frame_516
Warner Robins Night at the Museum Event
10 February, 2020
adffd
Night at the Museum at the Museum of Aviation
10 February, 2020
928a2fa4-60d6-44b3-8ce3-e389a9593ccd_750x422
B-17 Restoration Project at Museum of Aviation
31 January, 2020

Search

SUBSCRIBE FOR UPDATES

CONNECT ON FACEBOOK

TOPICS

  • Aircraft Restoration
  • Blog
  • Connecting with Veterans
  • Education
  • Events
  • Exhibitions Updates
  • Featured
  • General
  • Korean War
  • Military History
  • News Articles
  • Personnel
  • STEM
  • Vietnam War
  • WWII

Warning: Use of undefined constant taxonomy - assumed 'taxonomy' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/museumq1/public_html/wp-content/themes/eduma-child/functions.php on line 93

Warning: Use of undefined constant title_li - assumed 'title_li' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in /home/museumq1/public_html/wp-content/themes/eduma-child/functions.php on line 94

TOPICS

  • air force
  • aircraft
  • Artifacts
  • Aviation
  • B-17
  • B-17 Restoration
  • Collections
  • Current Events
  • donation
  • Donors
  • eagle
  • education
  • Events
  • Exhibits
  • f-15
  • General
  • georgia
  • golf
  • History
  • HU-16
  • Macon
  • Meet the Staff
  • MH-53
  • middle georgia
  • Military
  • Museum
  • museum collections
  • museum education
  • museum events
  • Museum of Aviation
  • Museum Studies
  • Public History
  • Restoration
  • Robins Air Force Base
  • Scott Golf
  • United States Air Force
  • vietnam war
  • Warner Robins
  • world war II
Museum of Aviation Foundation, Inc. Logo

(478) 926-6870

information@museumofaviation.org

education@museumofaviation.org

Site Design by Loudmark

VISIT

  • Plan Your Visit
  • Adult Programs & Tours
  • About the Museum
  • In the News
  • Virtual Reality
  • Birthday Parties

ATTEND

  • Upcoming Events
  • Past Events
  • Event Space Rental
  • Birthday Parties

LEARN

  • Education Events
  • Educator Resource Center
  • Education Resources
  • Birthday Parties

CONNECT

  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe for Updates
  • Volunteer

Copyright 2016-Present, Museum of Aviation Foundation, Inc.

The MOA Foundation, Inc is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 58-1451656) which serves to support the Museum of Aviation at Robins Air Force Base. The Foundation is not part of the Department of Defense nor any of its components and has no government status. Any acknowledgment of Foundation supporters and donations represents a partnership with the Foundation and our efforts. Nothing implied nor stated on this website represents a relationship between Foundation supporters and the Department of Defense, the United States Air Force, nor Robins Air Force Base.

  • Privacy Policy & Terms
  • Financials

Are you ready to learn?

Check out our youth and adult educational programs today!

Get Started Now