How do we support our current military on a day other than Armed Forces Day? There are military recognition days for each branch of the military. Below are dates that are celebrated and recognized for our armed forces.
March 15th – Merchant Marines Birthday
April 6th – Army Day (unofficially)
3rd Saturday in May – Armed Forces Day
May 22nd – National Maritime Day (Honors Merchant Marines)
Last Monday in May – Memorial Day
June 14th – Army Birthday
August 1st – Air Force Day (unofficially)
August 4th – Coast Guard Birthday & Day
3rd Friday in September – POW/MIA Day
September 18th – Air Force Birthday
October 13th – Navy Birthday
October 27th – Navy Day
November 10th – Marine Corps Day
November 11th – Veterans Day
December 20th – Space Force Birthday & Day
Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day is observed on the third Saturday in May. It was created on August 31, 1949 to bring the Army, Air Force, and Navy under one department of defense. When Armed Forces Day was created, the individual observation days for Army, Air Force, and Navy were no longer nationally celebrated. They are still celebrated unofficially.
Army
Unofficial Recognition Day: Observed on April 6th every year. It was last observed in 1949.
Birthday: On June 14, 1775, congress authorized the enlistment of expert riflemen to serve.
Air Force
Unofficial Recognition Day: Observed on August 1st every year. It was last observed in 1949.
Birthday: On September 18, 1947, when the new branch was officially established. 44 years after the Wright Brother conducted the first airplane flight.
Coast Guard
Created on August 4, 1790 to combat smuggling and enforce tariff laws.
Marine Corps
Established on November 10, 1775.
Merchant Marines
Created on May 22, 1933 to celebrate and honor the Merchant Marines.
Navy
Unofficial Recognition Day: Observed on October 27th every year. It was last observed in 1949.
Birthday: On October 13th, 1775, when the new branch was officially established.
POW/MIA
Recognition day is September 17th to honor those who were prisoners of war and who are still missing in action.
Space Force
Established on December 20, 2019.
Veterans Day
Observed on November 11th every year to honor military who have previously served and been discharged for reasons other than being dishonorable. November 11th marks the anniversary of the end of World War I.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It is to honor those who have died while serving in the military.
Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Armed Forces Day are commonly confused. If you ever have any questions about these days, feel free to call us, 303-431-1117. Do you need a military flag? Shop here.
