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, 2012 - New Year's DayJanuary 16, 2012 - Martin Luther King Jr. DayA day set aside to celebrate the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., anFebruary
February 14, 2012 - Valentine's DayFebruary 20, 2012 - President's DayA day originally set aside to honor George Washington. Now, other presidents areMarch
March 3, 2012 - Navy Reserve BirthdayMarch 17, 2012 - St. Patrick's DayMarch 30, 2012 - Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans DayA day set aside to show honor and respect to our Vietnam Veterans and tosay "Welcome home."April
Month of the Military ChildAn opportunity to recognize military children and youth for their heroism, character,April 5, 2012 - Gold Star Wives DayA day set aside to recognize the sacrifices of Gold Star wives.April 8, 2011 - Easter SundayApril 14, 2012 - Air Force Reserve BirthdayMay
National Military Appreciation MonthA month which recognize and show appreciation to the Armed Forces of the UnitedMay 1, 2012 - Loyalty DayA day set aside for American citizens to reaffirm their loyalty to the United StatesMay 1, 2012 - Silver Star Service Banner DayA day set aside to honor our wounded, ill and dying military personnel byMay 3, 2012 - National Day of PrayerThe National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday ofMay 8, 2012 - VE Day (Victory in Europe Day)A day which marks the anniversary of the Allies' victory in Europe during World WarMay 11, 2012 - Military Spouse Appreciation DayA day set aside to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of the spouses ofMay 13, 2012 - Mother's DayMay 12-19, 2012 - Armed Forces WeekA week set aside to pay tribute to men and women who serve in the United States’Armed Forces.May 19, 2012 - Armed Forces DayA day set aside to pay tribute to men and women who serve in the United States’May 28, 2012 - 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 cemetaries.June
June - GraduationJune 14, 2012 - Flag DayJune 14, 2012 - Army BirthdayJune 17, 2012 - Father's DayJune 27, 2012 - National PTSD Awareness DayA day set aside to raise public awareness about issues related to PTSD.July
July 4, 2012 - Independence DayJuly 29, 2012 - Anniversary of the Army Chaplain CorpsAugust
August 4, 2012 - Coast Guard BirthdayAugust 29, 2012 - Marine Forces Reserve BirthdaySeptember
September - Back to SchoolSeptember 3, 2012 - Labor DaySeptember 11, 2012 - 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,September 18, 2012 - Air Force BirthdaySeptember 21, 2012 - POW/MIA Recognition DayA time set aside to remember those who were prisoners of war (POW) and thoseSeptember 30, 2012 - Gold Star Mothers DayA day set aside to honor and recognize mothers who have lost a son or daughterOctober
October 8, 2012 - Columbus DayA day set aside to commemorate Christopher Columbus' arrival to the Americas onOctober 13, 2012 - Navy BirthdayOctober 26, 2012 - Day of the DeployedA day set aside to recognize the sacrifices of deployed U.S. servicemen and womenOctober 31, 2012 - HalloweenNovember
USPS deadlines for military Christmas holiday mail(link to be updated as dates become available for 2012)Military Family MonthA month to honor and celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of the families ofNovember 10, 2012 - Marine Corps BirthdayNovember 11, 2012 - Veterans DayThe anniversary date of the signing of the armistice which ended the World War I.November 22, 2012 - Thanksgiving DayDecember
December 7, 2012 - Pearl Harbor DayCalled "A day which will live in infamy" by Franklin D. Roosevelt - On December 7,December 13, 2012 - National Guard BirthdayDecember 15, 2012 - National Wreaths Across AmericaAn annual laying of wreaths at veterans cemeteries across the nation.December 24, 2012 - Christmas EveDecember 25, 2012 - Christmas DayDecember 28, 2012 - Anniversary of the Army Chaplain AssistantDecember 31, 2012 - New Year's EveOther
Alive DayCommemorates the day a Veteran suffered near-fatal battlefield injuries yetBirthdayRed Shirt FridayWear a red shirt on Friday to show support of our service men and women.Wedding anniversary
Copyright Benita Koeman 2008 - 2012
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