U.S. Military Holidays and What They Celebrate
The United States military is the strongest, most impressive force in the world. The brave men and women who serve give so much to protect the freedoms we enjoy in this country. Their sacrifice is part of why the military has a fair number of holidays throughout the year. These soldiers deserve all the recognition they get—and more.
But just what are all the U.S. military holidays about? Some are more famous than others—Pearl Harbor Day or Veteran’s Day, for example—but plenty of holidays exist that aren’t as well-known.
So grab your favorite drink, kick back, and get ready to learn more about the holidays of our incredible military.
Four Chaplains Day
This is one of the lesser-known holidays on the list.
Chaplains are an important part of the military experience, since they provide a refuge of faith and hope for those soldiers with firm beliefs about religion. Back in 1943, during the height of World War II, four chaplains did something amazing to demonstrate just how important these service members are.
The four chaplains were from different faiths, and when their transport ship was torpedoed down off the coast of Greenland on February 3, 1943, the chaplains gave up their life jackets so others could retreat to safety. The chaplains stayed with their ship and prayed together.
Coast Guard Reserve Birthday
The Coast Guard plays a vital role in the military, and just as other branches have their reserves, so does the Coast Guard. Their reserve’s “birthday” is the 19th of February.
Military Caregiver Month
The entire month of March is set aside to honor the caregivers of all current and past military members.
Navy Reserve Birthday
March 3 marks the birthday of the Navy Reserve.
K9 Veterans Day
March 13 is a day set aside to honor all the K9 service dogs in our military’s storied history.
Vietnam Veterans Day
The 29th of March is Vietnam Veterans Day, honoring all of the men and women who served in that less-than-pleasant chapter of American military history.
Month of the Military Child
April is the month set aside to honor all of the children of current and former service members.
Gold Star Spouses Day
Originally Gold Star Wives Day, this day honors the spouses of fallen soldiers. Congress approved Gold Star lapel buttons in 1947, but the Gold Star as a symbol of loss goes back to World War I.
Air Force Reserve Birthday
This reserve’s birthday is April 14th.
Army Reserve Birthday
The Army celebrates their reserve’s birthday on April 23rd.
National Military Appreciation Month
May has been designated as the month for all Americans to remember the sacrifices of the U.S. military, and how that’s impacted their lives for the better.
Silver Star Service Banner Day
The Silver Star Service Banner is available to military personnel with wounds, injuries, or illness originating in a war zone, and may be flown below and smaller than the U.S. flag. May 1st is Silver Star Service Banner Day.
Military Spouse Appreciation Day
May 11th is the day spouses are celebrated.
Children of the Fallen Patriots Day
This is celebrated on the 13th of May.
One of the most famous holidays in the country, everyone looks forward to Memorial Day. It is set aside to remember those who’ve died in service to their country.
June 6 marks the anniversary of D-Day, when U.S. and Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy in France.
This takes place on June 14th.
The Army also uses June 14th to mark its birthday.
National PTSD Awareness Day
June 27th is set aside to create attention for post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
July 4th is time for fireworks, hot dogs, barbecues, and family get-togethers. This is the date shown on the Declaration of Independence, signed in 1776.
Anniversary of the Army Chaplain Corps
This is a separate day from the one set aside for the Four Chaplains. It takes place on July 29th.
Coast Guard Birthday
The Coast Guard was established on August 4th.
September 11, 2001, is a day no American alive will forget. We now recognize that day as one in which countless patriots came together to promote the cause of America in the face of radical terrorism.
Air Force Birthday
The Air Force celebrates their birthday on September 18th.
The Navy celebrates their birthday on October 13th.
National Day of the Deployed
This day is set aside to recognize all the men and women who’ve been deployed in active duty for the U.S. military. It’s celebrated on October 26th.
Military Family Month
November is set aside to recognize military families, and the sacrifices they make in order to keep us safe.
Marine Corps Birthday
The Marines were formed on November 10th.
November 11 recognizes all veterans of the U.S. military.
Pearl Harbor Day
December 7 marks the anniversary of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, dragging the United States into World War II.
National Guard Birthday
The National Guard was formed on December 13th.
The U.S. military has made innumerable sacrifices to keep us safe, and to give us the freedom to live as we please.