There are a lot of patriotic holidays here in the United States, which you’re probably well aware of! We’ve got Flag Day, Memorial Day, Armed Forces Day, Independence Day; the list goes on and on. It’s awfully easy to think that they all basically amount to the same thing! But each one has its own aim to honor a specific group of current or former members of the U.S. armed services. Here's a quick guide.
Armed Forces Day
First up on the list is Armed Forces Day. It’s not a federal holiday, so likely falls under the radar more than the three-day-weekend and bank holidays, but Armed Forces Day takes place every third Saturday in May. It was started by President Truman in 1948 to unify the different branches of the military because before then, they all had their own separate holidays. It was chosen to take place in May because May was one of the months that had pleasant weather for communities to celebrate, and also because it was far enough away from other holidays to not overshadow their importance (like D-Day).
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the last Monday in May. Often thought of as a day to honor veterans and those currently serving, it is actually meant to honor and remember those who have passed while in service to our country. It started in the town of Waterloo, New York on May 5th, 1866. By 1968, Congress had formalized it as a federal holiday. You may not be aware, but a national moment of remembrance takes place every Memorial Day at 3pm. Americans are encouraged to pause and take a moment of silence to remember fallen soldiers.
Veterans Day
Veterans Day is also a federal holiday. Instead of being a floating holiday like Memorial Day, Veterans Day is a set day on November 11th, regardless of what day of the week it falls on. This day is meant to honor those who have now retired from the US military. It began in 1919 as a way to commemorate the end of the first World War because it ended on “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” in 1918. Generally speaking, Veterans Day honors those currently serving as well, even though its intention was for those no longer in the military.
Other Holidays
The three above are not the only holidays that recognize the United States military, there are a whole handful more! Here is a list for reference:
National Medal of Honor Day – March 25: A federally recognized observance honoring the more than 3,500 recipients of the United States' highest military award for valor.
Vietnam War Veterans Day – Every March 29: A national observance that recognizes veterans who served in the US military during the Vietnam War.
Gold Star Spouses Day – Every April 5: A national day of remembrance recognizing the sacrifices that the spouses of military personnel killed in the line of duty have made.
Silver Star Service Banner Day – Every May 1: Silver Star Service Banner Day honors those who have received the Silver Star Medal for valor in combat.
Normandy Landing (D-Day) – Every June 6: Honors the over 300,000 military personnel involved in the June 6, 1944 Allied Invasion of France and the 4,414 who died during it.
PTSD Awareness Day – Every June 27: This national observance seeks to raise awareness of PTSD in all populations, and recognizes that many current and former military personnel suffer in silence.
National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day – Every July 27: Commemorates the signing of the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement and honors the 1.8 million Americans who served in the "Forgotten War."
Purple Heart Day – Every August 7: A day of national reflection and gratitude to the men and women of the U.S. military who were wounded or killed in action.
Patriot Day – This is the title given to September 11: Honors those who made sacrifices on that historic day, and is not specifically related to a military event.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day – Every third Friday in September: Honors former prisoners of war and those still missing in action, as well as to show support for their families.
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day – Every December 7: A day set aside to remember and honor the 2,403 Americans who were killed in the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7, 1941.
Did you know all of these holidays? Do you do anything to commemorate them? Tell me about it!
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