What Are the Military Holidays?

America is home to the bravest military members in the world, men and women who give their lives to secure our country's freedom. To honor these heroes, we have multiple federal holidays like Memorial Day and Veterans Day, but did you know they aren't the only ones? Celebrating all of the military holidays provides an opportunity to recognize and honor the sacrifices of service members and their families. Let's take a closer look at the many military holidays you may not have known existed so you can celebrate our American heroes with the gratitude they deserve. 

Military Holidays 

Below is a list of months with their corresponding holidays. 

January 

January 1 - New Year's Day 

New Year's Day is celebrated across the globe, welcoming a new year. It is one of the few holidays shared by every country. 

3rd Monday in January- Martin Luther King Jr. Day 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day was the first federal holiday to be designated as a national day of service by Congress in 1994. It is celebrated on the third Monday in January. 

February 

February 3 - Four Chaplains Day 

Honoring four brave chaplains aboard the troop ship USAT Dorchester, which was torpedoed by a German submarine. As the ship sank, they helped passengers evacuate, ultimately giving up their life vests to save others and sacrificing their own lives. 

February 19 - Coast Guard Reserve Birthday 

Officially founded in 1941, the Coast Guard dates back to 1790, making it one of the country's original armed forces branches. 

The Armed Forces reserves allow military members to serve part-time in their chosen branch, providing support for active-duty members. Many people choose this option since it allows them to maintain a full-time job while serving their country.  

Show your support for the US Coast Guard Reserves with one of our quality Coast Guard flags. 

3rd Monday in February - Presidents' Day 

President's Day was officially designed to honor two popular American presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. However, many use this day to celebrate all U.S. presidents. 

March 

March 3 - Navy Reserve Birthday 

The U.S. Naval Reserve Force was established in 1915 to provide support for the Navy. Show your Navy Reserve pride with one of our stunning Navy flags. 

March 5 - Seabee Birthday 

The Seabees were officially called the Naval Construction Battalion but gained their famous name in 1942. The unique Seabees flag, with its fighting bee caricature, showcases the industrious work ethic of the U.S. Navy's construction battalion personnel. 

March 13 - K9 Veterans Day 

National K9 Veterans Day celebrates the United States Army K9 Corp's official birthday. Founded in 1942, this vital support branch contains brave military working dogs who play a vital role in the protection of our country. 

March 25 - Medal of Honor Day 

Congress established the National Medal of Honor Day to encourage the public to recognize and appreciate all Medal of Honor recipients. Currently, there are 3,511 men and women who have received a Medal of Honor since they were originally awarded following the Civil War. 

March 29 - National Vietnam Veterans Day 

This day honors those who fought in the Vietnam War. We are proud to offer a stunning nylon Vietnam Veterans flag that is perfect for honoring those who served. 

April 

April 5 - Gold Star Spouses Day 

This day honors the spouses of fallen military members who were lost in the line of duty or due to military service. Our Gold Star Banners make touching gifts for families of fallen servicemembers. 

April 6 - Army Day 

Often confused with the Army's birthday, Army Day originated as Defense Test Day, which was only celebrated twice in 1924 and 1925. Army day was last observed nationally on April 6, 1949. Buy an Army flag today! 

April 9 - National Former Prisoners of War Day 

This day honors military servicemembers from any war who returned home following a prison release. 

April 14 - Air Force Reserve Birthday 

Established in 1948 by President Harry Truman to serve as support for the U.S. Air Force. Explore the Air Force flags that we offer.

  

April 23 - Army Reserve Birthday 

Established in 1908 as a medical unit for the U.S. Army, it now serves as one of the largest military support branches. 

April is also the Month of the Military Child. 

May 

May 1 - Silver Star Banner Day 

Honors U.S. military personnel sacrifices and the sacrifices of service personnel who are ill, wounded, or dying.  

May 8 - Victory in Europe (VE) Day 

This day remembers the end of WWII when the world threw parades and celebrated the momentous occasion. Show your respect with our commemorative World War II flag. 

The Friday Before Mother's Day - Military Spouse Appreciation Day 

Recognizes military spouses who support their military members. 

May 13 - Children of Fallen Patriots Day 

Honors the sacrifice and pain of children who have lost their parent in the line of duty. 

3rd Saturday in May - Armed Forces Day 

Created by the Department of Defense, it is part of Armed Forces Week, the 2nd Saturday to the 3rd Saturday of May. Check our Armed Forces flag sets that we offer.  

May 22 - National Maritime Day  

While not an official part of the military, the Merchant Marines help ensure our Maritime Industry is operating smoothly. Celebrate their contributions with an official Merchant Marine flag. 

Last Monday in May - Memorial Day

 

Honors fallen servicemembers, while Veterans Day is on November 11, and honors all U.S. military veterans. Flags should be at half-staff as a sign of respect. Learn more by reading our blog post, “The Difference Between Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day vs. Armed Forces Day.” 

May is also Military Appreciation Month. 

June 

June 6 - D-Day

 

Remembers the day U.S. troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, in 1944. Show your respect with our D-Day 75th Anniversary Flag. 

June 12 - Women Veterans Day 

Honor our country's women veterans. 

June 14 - Army Birthday 

Celebrate the founding of the U.S. Army in 1775. While at it, feel free to explore the ten interesting facts about the US Army. 

June 14 - Flag Day 

Celebrates the adoption of the U.S. flag in 1777. Feel free to learn more about the American flag history. 

June 23 - Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday 

Honors the founding of the U.S. Coast Guard's volunteer auxiliary. Show your allegience with our official US Coast Guard Auxiliary flag. 

June 27 - National PTSD Awareness Day 

Sheds light on the effects of PTSD on servicemembers' lives. 

July 

July 4 - Independence Day 

The day America became a nation in 1776. 

July 27 - National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day  

Honors the veterans who served in the Korean War. Show your support with our Korean War Veterans Flag. 

August 

August 1 – Air Force Day  

Last observed nationally in 1949, Air Force Day celebrates the achievements of the U.S. Air Force. It is a great day to hang or purchase an official U.S. Air Force flag. 

August 4 - Coast Guard Birthday 

Honors the founding of the Coast Guard in 1790. View our complete selection of Coast Guard flags. 

 

August 7 - Purple Heart Day

 

Celebrates all Purple Heart recipients. Honor your beloved Purple Heart recipient with our Purple Heart Grave Marker. 

August 29 - Marine Corps Reserve Birthday 

Celebrate the founding of the Marine Corps Reserve in 1916. Show your love for the Marines with our quality Marine Corps flags. 

September 

First Monday in September - Labor Day 

Honors the achievements of all American workers. 

September 2 - Victory over Japan (VJ) Day 

Remembers the formal surrender of Japan in 1945. Honor the brave servicemembers who gave their lives with our bronze WWII veteran grave markers. 

September 11 - Patriot Day 

Commemorates the anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Honor the memory of those lost with our respectful range of 9/11 flags and memorials. 

September 18 - Air Force Birthday 

Honors the founding of the Air Force in 1947. Show your patriotism with our beautiful Air Force flags. 

3rd Friday in September - National POW/ MIA Recognition 

Dedicated to recognizing and honoring prisoners of war and those missing in action. Demonstrate your respect and remembrance with our POW/MIA flags and markers. 

Last Sunday in September - Gold Star Mother's Day

 

Honors mothers, fathers, and family members of fallen servicemembers. Show your support or honor your loved one with our Gold Star Banner. 

September 29 - Veterans of Foreign Wars Day  

Honors military members who actively served in a foreign war. 

October 

October 13 - Navy's Birthday 

Remembers the founding of the Navy in 1775. Show your support for the Navy with our durable Navy flags. 

October 26 - National Day of the Deployed 

This day celebrates military members who are deployed in service. 

October 27 - Navy Day 

Navy Day celebrates all those serving in the Naval forces, not to be confused with the Navy's birthday. For more information, check out our blog, “What Do We Celebrate on Navy Day?” 

November 

November 10 - Marine Corps Birthday 

This day honors the founding of the Marine Corps in 1775. Show your support with our quality Marine Corps flags. 

November 11 - Veterans Day/ Armistice Day  

Celebrates both our nation's veterans and the end of World War I. We carry a wide selection of Veterans flags to display your patriotism. 

4th Thursday in November - Thanksgiving Day 

Celebrates the American Pilgrims' first successful harvest in 1621. 

  

November is also Military Family Month. 

 

December 

December 7 - Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 

Remembers the attacks on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the servicemembers who lost their lives. You can honor them with this beautiful commemorative World War II flag or the collector’s item Pearl Harbor 75th Anniversary flag 

December 13 - U.S. National Guard Birthday  

Celebrates the founding of the National Guard in 1636. Show your patriotism with our National Guard flags.  

3rd Saturday in December - National Wreaths Across America Day 

Where volunteers lay wreaths on the graves of fallen military members. 

December 20 - Space Force Birthday 

Celebrates the founding of the Space Force in 2019. Show your appreciation with one of our stunning Space Force flags. 

December 25 – Christmas Day 

Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.  

How to Celebrate the Military Holidays 

There are many ways to celebrate the Military Holidays, including those listed below. 

Hang Your American (or Military) Flag 

Showing your support for military holidays is easy with an American or military flag. Hang them at your business or home for a patriotic display you can feel proud of. 

Volunteer with Veterans Organization 

There are many veteran organizations around the country in need of volunteers to serve our beloved servicemembers. 

Download Our Free Military Calendar 

Our free military calendar is the perfect way to celebrate any military holiday. 

Carrot-Top Industries is proud to offer a wide selection of military flags and accessories. We craft quality, American-made products built to last the test of time. Showcase your patriotism with Carrot-Top.