Military-Relevant Dates & Observances
A year-round calendar of birthdays, remembrance days, and appreciation observances honoring service members, veterans, and military families — 2026
February 2
Four Chaplains Day
Honors the four U.S. Army chaplains who made the ultimate sacrifice when the USAT Dorchester sank during World War II.
RemembranceCoast Guard Reserve Birthday
Marks the founding of the Coast Guard Reserve.
Branch BirthdayMarch 5
Navy Reserve Birthday
Marks the founding of the Navy Reserve.
Branch BirthdayK-9 Veterans Day
The official birthday of the United States K9 Corps — a day to honor their service.
RemembranceMedal of Honor Day
Honors the heroism and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients.
RemembranceVietnam Veterans Day
A national day to recognize and honor veterans who served during the Vietnam War.
RemembranceApril 3 Month of the Military Child
Gold Star Spouses Day
Dedicated to those whose spouses gave their lives while serving or as a result of service-connected injuries or illness.
Family SupportAir Force Reserve Birthday
Marks the founding of the Air Force Reserve.
Branch BirthdayArmy Reserve Birthday
Marks the founding of the Army Reserve.
Branch BirthdayMay 5 National Military Appreciation Month
Silver Star Banner Day
Per Congressional resolution, the official day to honor wounded, ill, and injured veterans.
RemembranceMilitary Spouse Appreciation Day
Recognizes the service and sacrifices of military spouses.
Family SupportChildren of Fallen Patriots Day
Honors the children left behind by service members who gave their lives defending our freedom.
Family SupportArmed Forces Day
Observed the third Saturday of May — a tribute to men and women currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
National ObservanceMemorial Day
A solemn occasion to honor the men and women who died while serving in the military.
RemembranceAlso observed in May: Month of the Military Caregiver
June 5
D-Day
Anniversary of the World War II Allied invasion in Normandy, France.
RemembranceFlag Day
Celebrates the adoption of the U.S. flag.
National ObservanceArmy Birthday
Marks the founding of the U.S. Army.
Branch BirthdayCoast Guard Auxiliary Birthday
Marks the founding of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Branch BirthdayNational PTSD Awareness Day
Brings awareness to issues related to PTSD.
AwarenessJuly 2
Independence Day
Commemorates the nation’s founding.
National ObservanceKorean War Veterans Armistice Day
Marks the anniversary of the Korean War armistice.
RemembranceAugust 3
Coast Guard Birthday
Marks the founding of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Branch BirthdayPurple Heart Day
A time to remember and honor the brave men and women wounded on the battlefield or who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
RemembranceMarine Forces Reserve Birthday
Marks the founding of the Marine Forces Reserve.
Branch BirthdaySeptember 4
Patriot Day
An annual observance remembering and honoring those injured or killed during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
RemembranceAir Force Birthday
Marks the founding of the U.S. Air Force.
Branch BirthdayPOW/MIA Recognition Day
Honors those who were prisoners of war and those still missing in action.
RemembranceGold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day
Honors the families of fallen service members.
Family SupportOctober 2
Navy Birthday
Marks the founding of the U.S. Navy.
Branch BirthdayNational Day of the Deployed
Honors service members currently deployed away from home and family.
Family SupportNovember 2 Military Family Month & Warrior Care Month
Marine Corps Birthday
Marks the founding of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Branch BirthdayVeterans Day
A day to thank military veterans for their service.
RemembranceDecember 4
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
The anniversary of the attack that brought the U.S. into World War II.
RemembranceNational Guard Birthday
Marks the founding of the National Guard.
Branch BirthdayNational Wreaths Across America Day
A day of remembrance honoring fallen service members through wreath-laying ceremonies nationwide.
RemembranceSpace Force Birthday
Marks the founding of the U.S. Space Force.
Branch Birthday