In Appreciation...

On Saturday, May 18, we join in celebration of Armed Forces Day, in appreciation of the men and women in our community and beyond currently serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Originally there were celebrations for each branch of the military (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force) but this was changed in 1949 by then Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson, appointed by President Harry Truman, who created Armed Forces Day to reflect the unification of the Armed Forces under the Department of Defense. The first one took place on May 20, 1950. It was made a national holiday in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy. It is not a Federal holiday.

In 1952, not long after the celebration was created, the New York Post wrote:

“It is our most earnest hope that those who are in positions of peril, that those who have made exceptional sacrifices, yes, and those who are afflicted with plain drudgery and boredom, may somehow know that we hold them in exceptional esteem. Perhaps if we are a little more conscious of our debt of honored affection they may be a little more aware of how much we think of them.” (Source)

In 1963, President Kennedy wrote:

Our Servicemen and women are serving throughout the world as guardians of peace - many of them away from their homes, their friends and their families. They are visible evidence of our determination to meet any threat to the peace with measured strength and resolve. They are also evidence of a harsh but inescapable truth - that the survival of freedom requires great cost and commitment, and great personal sacrifice. (Source)

As we join in this important recognition, we are proud to note that the Hackley Community's tradition of service continues with Douglas Alpuche '15, who will graduate from the United States Naval Academy on May 24. Doug recently wrote:

I’ve always been interested in helping and supporting people. The military seemed like a way to do that and affect the biggest audience. Since joining the military, I’ve realized that beyond the work, one of the greatest parts about the military is the impact you can have on your people. The mentorship and training you provide them is really rewarding, and is something that keeps me dedicated to what I’m doing each and every day.

Please join us in sharing deep appreciation and thanks to all our alumni who currently serve in the nation's armed forces.
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