The Longest Armed Forces Day

The annual Armed Forces Day parade and related events marked its 75th anniversary this year. The parade itself is usually held ahead of Armed Forces Week, ensuring that thousands of students can both participate and observe the military procession before schools recess for the summer.
The parade’s Grand Marshal this year, Army Vice Chief of Staff GEN James Mingus, noted, “Chattanooga has the longest running Armed Forces Day parade in the nation,” which, in addition to being the birthplace of the Medal of Honor, is why it is widely recognized as “the most patriotic city in the nation.” Indeed, the first official parade here was held in 1949, though there were unofficial events earlier.