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

Tankbusters: Advice for Students
Episode 10

Video

Lieutenant Colonel Joel "Rally" Rush offers advice for youth who may be interested in a career in the U.S. Air Force.
Tankbusters: Conclusion
Episode 9

Video

Lieutenant Colonel Joel "Rally" Rush elaborates on how American sentiments changed from before the conflict, to afterwards. Lt. Col. Rush also discusses the lessons people should take away from the...
Tankbusters: "SCUD Hunts"
Episode 7

Video

While Lieutenant Colonel Joel Rush did not participate in any organized hunts for Saddam Hussein's SCUD missiles, he recalls his experience of running into a SCUD missile launcher during a night...
Tankbusters: Life in the Desert
Episode 6

Video

Lieutenant Colonel Joel "Rally" Rush discusses what living conditions were like in the deserts of the Middle East region.
Tankbusters: Flying Missions
Episode 5

Video

Lieutenant Colonel Joel "Rally" Rush discusses what flying missions in the A-10 Thunderbolt II were like. He walks viewers through the process of preparing for a mission, destroying Saddam Hussein's...
Tankbusters: Reaction to Invasion of Kuwait
Episode 4

Video

Lieutenant Colonel Joel "Rally" Rush recalls his thoughts about hearing the news on Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990. Rush also discusses the socio-political climate in the U.S. at...
Tankbusters: Saddam Hussein
Episode 3

Video

Lieutenant Colonel Joel "Rally" Rush briefly opines about who Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was as a person.
Tankbusters: Introduction
Episode 1

Video

Meet Lieutenant Colonel Joel "Rally" Rush, U.S. Air Force, retired. Rush introduces himself, and briefly discusses his career and job duties in the military.