Significant Days and Observances Honoring the US Military

The United States honors its military personnel, past and present, through a series of important observances each year. These special days not only reflect the nation's gratitude for the service and sacrifices of its Armed Forces members, but each also holds its own unique significance and set of traditions. Collectively, these commemorations are a powerful expression of the American people's appreciation and respect for those who have dedicated themselves to serving their country.

Table of Contents

Armed Forces Day

Veterans Day

Memorial Day

National POW/MIA Recognition Day

Former POW Recognition Day

Purple Heart Day

Vietnam Veterans Day

Armed Forces Day

This celebration honors the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of all branches of the United States military. Celebrated on the third Saturday in May, this day serves as a unifying moment for our country to express gratitude and respect to the troops who serve the USA with unwavering commitment.

Armed Forces Day began post-World War II when the Department of Defense was formed and the US military re-structured. To unite the different branches of the Armed Forces, a holiday dedicated to their appreciation was established in 1949 and first celebrated on May 20, 1950.

Communities across the country host various events for Armed Forces Day, including parades, air shows, the presentation of colors, and open houses at military bases. Individuals and organizations can also participate by flying the American flag.

Veterans Day

This holiday, observed each year on November 11th, is dedicated to honoring the valiant service and sacrifices of all US military veterans. It is a time to recognize those who have served in the Armed Forces and devoted their lives to protecting our nation.

Originally known as Armistice Day, this holiday was first observed on November 11, 1919, marking the anniversary of the end of fighting on the Western Front during World War I. Following the later conflicts of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day was broadened to pay tribute to all veterans. In 1954, Congress officially renamed Armistice Day to Veterans Day.

Across the country, Veterans Day is celebrated with parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, and flying the American flag. Each year, a ceremony takes place at Arlington National Cemetery, where the President or a representative lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This is followed by a moment of silence at 11 am when the armistice ending World War I occurred. Additionally, many Americans use this day to volunteer at veterans' facilities, donate to veteran-focused charities, or thank veterans within their communities.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May and is a solemn day of remembrance dedicated to honoring and mourning service members who died while on active duty.

This holiday was first observed as Decoration Day, which began in the years following the Civil War. It was named “Decoration” Day in reference to how communities decorated the graves of those who had died during the war with flowers. In 1971, Memorial Day was officially declared a national holiday by an act of Congress.

Observances often take place at cemeteries across the country as family members and veterans gather to lay wreaths and flowers. Additionally, a moment of national silence takes place at 3 pm. Flags are flown at half-staff until noon, then raised to full staff for the rest of the day.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day

POW/MIA Day takes place annually on the third Friday of September, serving as a reminder of the soldiers who were taken as prisoners of war or went missing in action. It also underscores the US military’s responsibility for its soldiers who have not yet come home.

This day of remembrance began after the Vietnam War, as family members of soldiers who had been taken prisoner or gone missing pushed for public acknowledgment and accountability by the US military. The first official commemoration took place in 1979.

Military installations, government buildings, and organizations display the POW/MIA flag in honor, either alone or below the American flag. The Pentagon hosts a special ceremony, which often includes speeches by military and government officials and moments of silence.

Former POW Recognition Day

Similar to POW/MIA Day, this commemoration is in honor of troops who were taken as prisoners of war, specifically those who were able to return home after their ordeal.

Former POW Day takes place each year on April 9, the anniversary of the largest mass surrender by US forces who were subsequently taken as prisoners. During World War II, about 10,000 American and 65,000 Filipino military personnel were forced to surrender to Japanese forces during an invasion of the Philippines. Afterward, the prisoners were marched 65 miles without food or water in what is now known as the “Bataan Death March”. Thus, Former POW Day is closely associated with the American troops who managed to survive this brutal treatment and return home.

In honor of former POWs, many individuals, businesses, and government buildings fly the POW/MIA flag underneath the American flag on April 9th. Additionally, many people donate to or volunteer at organizations that support veterans, some of whom are former POWs.

Purple Heart Day

This commemoration in honor of American service members who have been awarded the Purple Heart takes place on August 7 every year. The Purple Heart medal is awarded to those who were injured or killed during their service.

The first iteration of the Purple Heart was known as the Badge of Military Merit and was created by George Washington in 1782. From 1927 to 1931, military officials began work on bringing this medal back under the name of “Purple Heart”. Over 1.5 million Purple Hearts have been awarded since its creation.

While Purple Heart Day is not a federal holiday, some businesses choose to close on August 7 in observance. Military and veterans’ organizations hold events to thank living Purple Heart recipients for their service and to honor the memory of those who have died.

Vietnam Veterans Day

This observance takes place annually on March 29 in honor of American troops who fought in the Vietnam War and their families. Some states designate this anniversary as “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” on March 30th.

The first Vietnam Veterans Day took place in 1974, with the date of March 29 chosen as it was the day on which the last American combat service members withdrew from Vietnam in 1973. Vietnam Veterans Day honors both the American troops who returned to the US following their service, as well as those who died or went missing during the war.

Many commemorative events take place across the USA in honor of this day, including the wreath-laying ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. In 2012, the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration was established as a government organization to honor the 50th anniversary of Vietnam Veterans Day. This group continues to partner with other veterans’ organizations and lead events in honor of Vietnam veterans today.

Each of these observances plays a vital role in remembering the history of the Armed Forces and the service of its past and present members. Through ceremonies, community events, and personal acts of remembrance, we honor the legacy of those who have served, continue to serve, and given their lives in the name of the United States.