Military Observances

Find out the different military observances and the differences between each day.

Armed Forces Day. Observed the third Saturday in May, this day is for all who currently serve and all who have served, both active and former, in the reserves, National Guard or on active duty, including the Coast Guard.  It replaced separate days that honored various branches of the military (Army, Air Force and Navy).

Veterans Day. Celebrated annually on November 11, this day of observance is for all living and deceased who have served in the military.

Memorial Day. Celebrated annually on the last Monday in May, this day of observance is for all who died while serving

National Guard Birthday Celebrated December 13, honors all citizen-soldiers who have civilian jobs but are available to provide support and protection for the states’ civilians. They may be called for military operations at a national level.

Within this Collection

Liberation, Part 1
Episode 1

Video

This segment features remembrances of prison camps and describes Hitler's "Mein Kampf," and the plan to annihilate the Jewish people. Those interviewed provide their remembrances of what occurred. The...
A Path to Victory, Part 3
Episode 3

Video

Veterans reflect on General Patton, from the way he required his men to dress to the way he so directly addressed his men right up front, saying, "Some who sailed over here are not going back home."...
A Path to Victory, Part 2
Episode 2

Video

The Hedgerows were unanticipated and required a new type of warfare. They were quite entangled and provided lots of cover, and made the terrain difficult to maneuver. No one could see what they were...
A Path to Victory, Part 4
Episode 4

Video

A first-hand account of Auschwitz is provided by Lou Fowler. "The Germans were absolutely obsessed with killing people. It was a killing machine."
A Path to Victory, Part 1
Episode 1

Video

This segment begins with reflections of the Parisians playing "Dixie" on the Champs-Élysées, and a band marching, and a reference to "high cotton." These are some of the memories that have lived on...
Victory by Valor: Shaw Air Force base, Part 7
Episode 7

Video

This segment describes the relationship that exists between Shaw Air Force Base and the community of Sumter, S.C. and its residents. Col. James Post, Wing Commander, states that they are close friends...
Victory by Valor: Shaw Air Force Base, Part 6
Episode 6

Video

Col. James Post, Wing Commander, states that, "What I'd like to be remember for, I think, is helping facilitate the training, the most realistic training possible, and preparing our airmen to ensure...
Victory by Valor: Shaw Air Force Base
Episode 8

Video

Mike Gartland continues to relay the history of Shaw Air Force Base. In World War II, the mission was to teach pilots to fly airplanes. The first aircraft that the 20th used there was the P51 Mustang...
Victory by Valor: Shaw Air Force Base, Part 3
Episode 3

Video

The three squadrons of the 20th Fighter Wing must be ready for high-intensity combat at a moment's notice. That requires training of typically about 12 hours a day. The planning usually happens the...