by Kristen Bagwell

It seems like we have commemorative weeks and days to celebrate all kinds of things. For example, May is national hamburger month, and this week was Women's Health Week...who knew? Today is one that I really can get behind, though. According to the Presidential Proclamation, today is Armed Forces Day, 2012.

Celebrated on the third Saturday of May each year, Armed Forces Day is a day to "pay tribute to the unparalleled service of our Armed Forces and recall the extraordinary feats they accomplish in defense of our Nation." (Barack Obama, Presidential Proclamation 2012) Americans are urged to fly the American flag at home and at places of business, and to participate in community events to show your support.

There are no local events celebrating Armed Forces Day that I could find, although our friends at Triangle NC Kids Club or Social Butterflies may know more. There are a ton of fun events today, though: head to the state fairgrounds for Got to Be NC Festival today, or plan to take in Simply Sinatra by the NC Symphony Orchestra in Raleigh tonight. Beauty and the Beast Ballet is also showing tonight, or you could opt for the Durham Bulls vs the Charlotte Knights at 7:05pm. Wicked is in its off-Broadway run at the DPAC, or you could opt for David Allan Coe at Lincoln Theatre. In downtown Raleigh, Artsplosure continues during the day, with a block party starting at 3pm sponsored by the Wine Feed near the Carter building on Glenwood Avenue. In Cary, Puss in Boots is showing tonight at Booth Amphitheatre. What fun! (Don't forget to check out our Events Calendar to stay current on local activities!)

No matter how you spend your day, keep our Armed Forces service people in mind, both past and present. With Memorial Day just around the corner, it's a good time to remember the contributions and sacrifices of our service men and women who keep our country safe and free.

A big Thank You to all of the men and women who serve us daily!