Significant Days And Observances For The Military

Dates marked in BLACK are traditional (and some more recently acknowledged) observances for the Armed Forces of the United States of America. Other traditional (non-military) dates have been included as well.Dates marked in BLUE are listed to help military supporters understand that holidays (as well as birthdays, graduations, births, weddings, funerals) are significant days in which the absence of a loved one (due to deployment, geographical separation, or loss) is felt on a more significant level.___________________________________________________________JanuaryJanuary 1, 2025 - New Year's DayJanuary 20, 2025 - Martin Luther King Jr. DayA day set aside to celebrate the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., an influential American civil rights leader. Learn more...FebruaryFebruary 3, 2025 - Four Chaplains DayA day set aside to honor the four U.S. Army chaplains who gave their lives to save others when the troop ship USAT Dorchester sank during World War II. Learn more...February 14, 2025 - Valentine's DayLINK - Organizations that support deployed military personnel on Valentine's DayLINK - Coloring page for military childrenFebruary 17, 2025 - President's DayA day originally set aside to honor George Washington. Now, other presidents are alsohonored on this day. Learn more...February 19, 2025 - Coast Guard Reserve BirthdayMarchMonth of the Military CaregiverDuring the Month of the Military Caregiver, Americans recognize and honor military caregivers’ sacrifices and successes. Learn more...LINK - Organizations that support military caregiversMarch 3, 2025 - Navy Reserve BirthdayMarch 5, 2025 - Seabee BirthdayMarch 9, 2025 - Daylight Saving Time beginsMarch 13, 2025 - K 9 Veterans DayA national effort to make March 13 K9 Veterans Day. March 13, 1942 is the official birthday of the United States K9 Corps, and so it seems only right to annually honor their service on that date. They served to save, and they deserve to be remembered. Learn more...March 17, 2025 - St. Patrick's DayMarch 29, 2025 - Vietnam Veterans DayA day set aside to show honor and respect to our Vietnam Veterans. Learn more...April 21, 2025 - Easter SundayLINK - Organizations that support deployed military personnel at EasterLINK - Coloring page for military childrenAprilMonth of the Military ChildAn opportunity to recognize military children and youth for their heroism, character, courage, sacrifices and continued resilience.LINK - View a list of the many organizations that support military childrenApril 5, 2025 - Gold Star Spouses DayA day set aside to recognize the sacrifices of Gold Star spouses.LINK - Organizations that support Gold Star FamiliesApril 14, 2025 - Air Force Reserve BirthdayApril 21, 2025 - Easter SundayLINK - Organizations that support deployed military personnel at EasterLINK - Coloring page for military childrenApril 23, 2025 - Army Reserve BirthdayApril 23, 2025 - Purple Up! DayDuring the Month of the Military Child, Purple Up! Day recognizes some of the military’s most unsung heroes – their children. The day encourages everyone to wear purple representing all branches of the military and showing unity with each other. Learn more...April 25, 2025 - ANZAC Day (Australia and New Zealand)A day of remembrance to honor those who served and died in military service fortheir countries. Learn more...April 30, 2025 - National Military Brats DayA day set aside to honor the children of military personnel. Learn more...MayNational Military Appreciation MonthA month to recognize and show appreciation to the Armed Forces of the United States of America.May 1, 2025- Loyalty DayA day set aside for American citizens to reaffirm their loyalty to the United Statesand to recognize the heritage of American freedom.  Learn more...May 1, 2025 - Silver Star Service Banner DayA day set aside to honor our wounded, ill, and dying military personnel byparticipating in flying a Silver Star Banner.  Learn more...May 1, 2025 - National Day of PrayerThe National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday ofMay, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. Learn more...How can you pray for the military community? Learn more...May 8, 2025 - VE (Victory in Europe) Day(Celebrated May 7 in commonwealth countries)A day which marks the anniversary of the Allies' victory in Europe during World War IIon May 8, 1945. Learn more...May 9, 2025 - Military Spouse Appreciation DayA day set aside to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of the spouses ofthe U.S. Armed Forces. Learn more...​LINK - Practical insights in caring for a military home front familyMay 11, 2025 - Mother's DayLINK - Organizations that support deployed military personnel on Mother's DayLINK - Coloring page for military childrenMay 13, 2025 - Children of Fallen Patriots DayA day to honor the families our Fallen Heroes have left behind – especially their children. It’s a reminder to the community that we have an obligation to support the families of our Fallen Patriots. Learn more...May 17, 2025 - Armed Forces DayA day set aside to pay tribute to men and women who serve in the United States’Armed Forces. Learn more...May 26, 2025 - Memorial Day (Decoration Day)A day set aside to commemorate all who have died in military service for the UnitedStates. Typically recognized by parades, visiting memorials and cemeteries. Learn more...LINK - Coloring page for military childrenJuneJune - GraduationJune 6, 2025 - Anniversary of the World War II Allied invasion in Normandy, France, know as D-Day (1944)Learn more...June 12, 2025 - Women Veterans DayJune 14, 2025 - Flag DayA day to commemorate the adoption of the United States flag. Learn more...June 14, 2025 - Army BirthdayJune 15, 2025 - Father's DayLINK - Organizations that support deployed military personnel on Father's DayLINK - Coloring page for military childrenJune 23, 2025 - Coast Guard Auxiliary BirthdayJune 25, 2025 - Anniversary of the start of the Korean War (1950)June 27, 2025 - National PTSD Awareness DayA day set aside to raise public awareness about issues related to PTSD.LINK - PTSD resourcesLINK - Insights in caring for families coping with PTSDJulyJuly 4, 2025 - Independence DayLINK - Organizations that support deployed military personnel on Independence DayLINK - Coloring page for military childrenJuly 27, 2025 - Korean War Veterans Armistice Day (1953)July 29, 2025 - Anniversary of the Army Chaplain CorpsLINK - Organizations that assist the military chaplain in their ministryAugustAugust 4, 2025 - Coast Guard BirthdayAugust 7, 2025 - Purple Heart DayNational Purple Heart Day honors the men and women who have been wounded or killed in military service.August 16, 2025 - National Airborne DayNational Airborne Day honors the nation's airborne forces of the Armed ForcesAugust 29, 2025 - Marine Forces Reserve BirthdaySeptemberSeptember - Back to SchoolLINK - Coloring page for military childrenSeptember - National Service Dog MonthSeptember is National Service Dog month. Learn more...LINK - Organizations that provide service and therapy dogs to military veteransSeptember 2, 2025 - VJ (Victory over Japan) DaySeptember 1, 2025 - Labor DaySeptember 11, 2025 - Patriot DayPatriot Day is an annual observance on September 11 to remember those who wereinjured or died during the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001.Learn more...LINK - 9/11 Day, organizers of September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance September 18, 2025 - Air Force BirthdaySeptember 19, 2025 - POW/MIA Recognition DayA time set aside to remember those who were prisoners of war (POW) and thosewho are missing in action (MIA), as well as their families. Learn more...September 28, 2025 - Gold Star Mother's and Family's DayA day set aside to honor the mothers and families of our nation's fallen service members. Learn more...LINK - Organizations that support Gold Star FamiliesOctoberOctober 13, 2025 - Navy BirthdayOctober 13, 2024 - Ms. Veteran America Pageant (awaiting 2025 info)Learn more...October 13, 2025 - Columbus DayA day set aside to commemorate Christopher Columbus' arrival to the Americas on October 12, 1492. Learn more...October 26, 2025 - National Day of the DeployedA day set aside to honor all of the brave men and woman who have been deployed and are sacrificing, or have sacrificed, their lives to fight for our country and acknowledges their families that they are separated from. Learn more...October 31, 2025 - HalloweenLINK - Organizations that send Halloween candy to deployed military personnelLINK - Coloring page for military childrenNovemberUSPS deadlines for military Christmas holiday mail (awaiting 2025 info)https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2024/1008-usps-announces-recommended-mailing-and-shipping-dates-for-2024-holiday-season.htmMilitary Family MonthA month to honor and celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of the families ofthe U.S. Armed Forces. Learn more...November 2, 2025 - Daylight Saving Time endsNovember 9, 2025 - Gold Star Father's Day (Georgia)A day set aside to honor the fathers of our nation's fallen service members. Learn more...LINK - Organizations that support Gold Star FamiliesNovember 10, 2025 - Marine Corps BirthdayNovember 11, 2025 - Armistice Day (France)A day set aside to remember those who died or were injured in World War I and other wars. Learn more...November 11, 2025 - Remembrance Day (Britain)A day set aside to remember all those men and women who were killed during the two World Wars and other conflicts. Learn more...November 11, 2025 - Remembrance Day (Canada)A day set aside to commemorates the sacrifices of people in all armed conflicts.Learn more...November 11, 2025 - Veterans DayThe anniversary date of the signing of the armistice which ended the World War I.Also a day set aside to thank military veterans for their service. Learn more...LINK - A listing of classroom resources, parade listings, and more.LINK - Coloring page for military childrenLINK - Veterans Day promotions, freebies and initiativesNovember 27, 2025 - Thanksgiving DayLINK - Organizations that help deployed military personnel celebrate Thanksgiving Day.LINK - Coloring page for military childrenDecemberDecember 1, 2025 - Civil Air Patrol (USAF Auxiliary) BirthdayDecember 7, 2025 - Pearl Harbor DayCalled "A day which will live in infamy" by Franklin D. Roosevelt - On December 7,1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Learn more...December 13, 2025 - National Guard BirthdayDecember 13, 2025- National Wreaths Across AmericaAn annual laying of wreaths at veterans cemeteries across the nation.LINK - Wreaths Across AmericaDecember 20, 2025 - Space Force BirthdayDecember 24, 2025 - Christmas EveDecember 25, 2025 - Christmas DayLINK - Organizations that support deployed military personnel at ChristmasLINK - Organizations that support military families at ChristmasLINK - Coloring page for military childrenDecember 28, 2025 - Anniversary of the Army Chaplain Assistant/Religious Affairs SpecialistDecember 31, 2025 - New Year's EveOtherAlive DayCommemorates the day a veteran suffered near-fatal battlefield injuries yet managed to survive.BirthdayLINK - Organizations that support deployed military personnel on their birthdayLINK - Coloring page for military childrenRed Shirt Friday (RED - Remembering Everyone Deployed)Wear a red shirt on Friday to show support of our service men and women.Wedding anniversaryLINK - Organizations that support deployed military personnel for their weddinganniversary1

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Back to topCopyright 2008 - 2025 Benita Koeman, Operation We Are Here.  All rights reserved.Operation We Are Here is a HUB of RESOURCES for the military community and military supporters.Military support is not a concept to embrace; military support is sacrificial action. Visit our military support TOOLKIT.Significant days and observances for the United States Armed ForcesResources for supporters of military and veteran families

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