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 significants days in which the absence of a loved one (due to deployment, geographical separation, or loss) is felt on a more significant level.
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January
January 1, 2013 - New Year's Day
January 21, 2013 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
A day set aside to celebrate the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., an
influential American civil rights leader. Learn more...
influential American civil rights leader. Learn more...February
February 14, 2013 - Valentine's Day
February 18, 2013 - President's Day
A day originally set aside to honor George Washington. Now, other presidents are also
honored on this day. Learn more...
March
March 3, 2013 - Navy Reserve Birthday
March 4-8, 2013 - Military and Veterans Caregiver Week
A week when Americans recognize and honor military caregivers’ sacrifices and successes. Learn more...
March 13, 2013 - K 9 Veterans Day
A national effort to make March 13 K9 Veterans Day. March 13, 1942 is the officialbirthday of the United States K9 Corps, and so it seems only right to annually honortheir service on that date. They served to save, and they deserve to be remembered.
birthday of the United States K9 Corps, and so it seems only right to annually honortheir service on that date. They served to save, and they deserve to be remembered.March 17, 2013 - St. Patrick's Day
March 30, 2013 - Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day
A day set aside to show honor and respect to our Vietnam Veterans and to say "Welcome home."
March 31, 2013 - Easter Sunday
April
Month of the Military Child
An opportunity to recognize military children and youth for their heroism, character,courage, sacrifices and continued resilience. Learn more...
courage, sacrifices and continued resilience. Learn more...April 5, 2013 - Gold Star Wives Day
A day set aside to recognize the sacrifices of Gold Star wives.
April 14, 2013 - Air Force Reserve Birthday
April 23, 2013 - Army Reserve Birthday
April 25, 2013 - ANZAC Day (Australia and New Zealand)
A day of remembrance to honor those who served and died in military service for
their countries. Learn more...
May
National Military Appreciation Month
A month which recognize and show appreciation to the Armed Forces of the UnitedStates of America. Learn more...
States of America. Learn more...May 1, 2013 - Loyalty Day
A day set aside for American citizens to reaffirm their loyalty to the United States
and to recognize the heritage of American freedom. Learn more...
May 1, 2013 - Silver Star Service Banner Day
A day set aside to honor our wounded, ill and dying military personnel by
participating in flying a Silver Star Banner. Learn more...
May 2, 2013 - National Day of Prayer
The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of
May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. Learn more...
How can you pray for the military community? Learn more...
May 8, 2013 - 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 II
on May 8, 1945. Learn more...
May 10, 2013 - Military Spouse Appreciation Day
A day set aside to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of the spouses of
the U.S. Armed Forces. Learn more...
May 12, 2013 - Mother's Day
May 18, 2013 - Armed Forces Day
A day set aside to pay tribute to men and women who serve in the United States’
Armed Forces. Learn more...
May 27, 2013 - 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...
States. Typically recognized by parades, visiting memorials and cemeteries. Learn more...June
June - Graduation
June 14, 2013 - Flag Day
A day to commemorate the adoption of the United States flag. Learn more...
June 14, 2013 - Army Birthday
June 16, 2013 - Father's Day
June 27, 2013 - National PTSD Awareness Day
A day set aside to raise public awareness about issues related to PTSD.
July
July 4, 2013 - Independence Day
July 29, 2013 - Anniversary of the Army Chaplain Corps
August
August 4, 2013 - Coast Guard Birthday
August 7, 2013 - Purple Heart Day
National Purple Heart Day honors the men and women who have been wounded or killed
in military service.
August 29, 2013 - Marine Forces Reserve Birthday
September
September - Back to School
September 2, 2013 - Labor Day
September 11, 2013 - Patriot Day
Patriot Day is an annual observance on September 11 to remember those who were
injured or died during the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001.
September 18, 2013 - Air Force Birthday
September 20, 2013 - POW/MIA Recognition Day
A time set aside to remember those who were prisoners of war (POW) and those
who are missing in action (MIA), as well as their families. Learn more...
September 29, 2013 - Gold Star Mothers Day
A day set aside to honor and recognize mothers who have lost a son or daughter
during military service. Learn more...
October
October 13, 2013 - Navy Birthday
October 14, 2013 - Columbus Day
A day set aside to commemorate Christopher Columbus' arrival to the Americas on October 12, 1492. Learn more...
October 26, 2013 - Day of the Deployed
A day set aside to recognize the sacrifices of deployed U.S. servicemen and women
and their loved ones. Learn more...
October 31, 2013 - Halloween
November
USPS deadlines for military Christmas holiday mail
Military Family Month
A month to honor and celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of the families of
the U.S. Armed Forces. Learn more...
November 10, 2013 - Marine Corps Birthday
November 11, 2013 - Armistice Day (France)
A day set aside to remember those who died or were injured in World War I and otherwars. Learn more...
wars. Learn more...November 11, 2013 - Remembrance Day (Britain)
A day set aside to remember all those men and women who were killed during the twoWorld Wars and other conflicts. Learn more...
World Wars and other conflicts. Learn more...November 11, 2013 - Remembrance Day (Canada)
A day set aside to commemorates the sacrifices of people in all armed conflicts.
November 11, 2013 - Veterans Day
The 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...
November 28, 2013 - Thanksgiving Day
December
December 7, 2013 - Pearl Harbor Day
Called "A day which will live in infamy" by Franklin D. Roosevelt - On December 7,
1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Learn more...
December 13, 2013 - National Guard Birthday
December 14, 2013 - National Wreaths Across America
An annual laying of wreaths at veterans cemeteries across the nation.
December 24, 2013 - Christmas Eve
December 25, 2013 - Christmas Day
December 28, 2013 - Anniversary of the Army Chaplain Assistant
December 31, 2013 - New Year's Eve
Other
Alive Day
Commemorates the day a Veteran suffered near-fatal battlefield injuries yet managed to
survive. Learn more...
Birthday
Red Shirt Friday (RED - Remembering Everyone Deployed)
Wear a red shirt on Friday to show support of our service men and women.
Wedding anniversary
Significant days and observances for the
United States Armed Forces
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