(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Tynisha L. Daniel)

Memorial Day receives nationwide hype because it’s a long weekend punctuated with national parades, speeding bikers and tasty barbecues. Armed Forces Day, which falls on the third Saturday of every May, receives less attention from the American public.

Less than 1 percent of the American population serves in the military. Many civilians don’t know anyone who has served. But a military-related holiday shouldn’t have to include a fireworks display or a family cookout for the larger American population to know it exists.

Here’s the start of your holiday education.

1) It’s the United States’ only holiday celebrating every branch of the U.S. military.

There are a lot of military holidays on the American calendar. Memorial Day remembers those who died in the line of duty. Veterans Day is a chance to thank a military veteran for serving our country. There are also various days to show your appreciation for a specific military branch.

Armed Forces Day is the day every one of those groups shares the spotlight. It was founded in 1949 to commemorate the unification of the military branches under a single umbrella: the Department of Defense.

Unity is at the heart of this holiday. It celebrates every service member and veteran who has served in the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard. Everyone.

2) Every year, Armed Forces Day has a different theme.

The theme of the first Armed Forces Day in 1949 was “Teamed for Defense.” In the 67 years since it was founded, the holiday has cycle through many themes that emphasize teamwork and patriotism.

This year’s theme is “Guardians of Freedom.” This theme is likely inspired by this famous quote from former President Ronald Reagan:

Just as volunteer warriors won American independence more than two centuries ago, they stand as proud guardians of our freedom today.

3) The longest running Armed Forces Day parade occurs in Chattanooga, Tenn.

In the holiday’s long history, only one town has celebrated it with a parade every single year. The city of Chattanooga, Tenn. draws thousands of visitors every year with its parade of veterans, active duty service members, marching bands and more. High-ranking military officials are often invited to appear in the parade. Last year, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert attended.

The parade honors a different service branch every year. This year it will honor the U.S. Marine Corps. The tribute is fitting; last summer, four Marines and a sailor were killed in a tragic shooting at a Chattanooga military recruitment office. The 2016 parade will surely include a memorial to remember the victims and their families.

How can you celebrate Armed Forces Day?

Many areas host open houses, airshows and parades to commemorate this day. Check out what is going on in your locality.

You can also visit a military memorial, volunteer at a VA facility or create a care package to send to deployed troops. If all else fails, donating to a veterans charity is a good alternative.