Submitted by Jack Rudnick, Jr., Ed.D., professor, Department of Business Administration and U.S. Navy veteran

Thomas More University honors those who actively serve in the military as well as veterans and civil service staff who have supported the military over the years and have kept America safe. In 2019, Thomas More dedicated a lounge on the ground floor of the Academic Building as a space specifically for veterans to build community while furthering their education on campus.

Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May. Thanks to President Harry S. Truman, America first celebrated Armed Forces Day in 1950. (Armed Forces Day honors those who are currently serving in the U.S. military while Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans.) (militarybenefits.com, 2021)

The Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard make up the armed forces of the United States. The Army National Guard and the Air National Guard are reserve components of those services and operate, in part, under state authority.

The first Armed Forces Day also played an essential part in educating society and expanding public knowledge of the military and the role they play in the community. It was marked by a large parade in Washington, D.C. From an historical perspective, it was not only a means to honor those who serve or who have served in the military, but also a way to showcase its top-of-the-line equipment and abilities used to protect those in our country. (militarybenefits.com, 2021).

Congratulations to those Thomas More community members serving on active duty, in the reserves, or who have family members engaged in service to keep our country and the world safe. God bless them all for the sacrifices they make.

Military Fun Facts

Army older than the United States!

The U.S. Army is older than the United States. The Continental Army was officially established and led by George Washington in 1775 before the establishment of the United States of America in 1776. 

Pivotal role of women in the military since inception

Women have held many roles in the U.S. military since its inception. George Washington employed a woman spy, Agent 355, during the Revolutionary War. Surprisingly, her identity is still unknown. The first black woman to enlist in the U.S. Army was Cathay Williams, under the pseudonym William Cathay in 1866.

Swastika Not Always A Symbol of Evil

More often known for its Nazi affiliation, it is important to note that the swastika was formerly a widely used Native American symbol of good luck. It was also worn until 1933 by the 45th Infantry on their left shoulder in recognition of the many Native Americans in the Division. The association with German national socialism required its abandonment and the thunderbird was adopted instead (Sandboxx, 2020)