May 21 is Armed Forces Day

Citizens will honor their U.S. service members Saturday as all branches of the military celebrate Armed Forces Day, established by the federal government in 1949.

National Armed Forces Day is celebrated each year on the third Saturday in May.

Across the country, many Americans recognize the day with parades, celebrations and some businesses offer discounts for service members and veterans.

Prior to the creation of the holiday, there were separate, single-day holidays for four branches of the U.S. military.

President Harry Truman's administration announced the new holiday in 1949 and the first one was held on May 20, 1950. Other countries, including Australia and Russia, celebrate the holiday as well.

In Rochester, the Rochester Armed Forces Day Committee will hold a luncheon Saturday at the Diplomat Party House in Gates to honor local service members. For more information,