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

Title:
Honor a Vet on Veteran's Day
Honor a Vet on Veteran's Day

Lesson

Grades: 6, 7, 8

This lesson will explain the beginnings of Veteran's Day as an annual celebration in the United States, as well as familiarizing students with the 5 main branches of the Armed Services. Excellent...

D-Day: 40 Years Ago, Part 3 (1984) 3
D-Day: 40 Years Ago, Part 3 (1984)
Episode 3

Video

Grades: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Part 3 of the D-Day: 40 Years Ago special of Carolina Journal. Veterans from both Axis and Allied powers gather to remember their experiences on D-Day, and to honor the fallen.
D-Day: 40 Years Ago, Part 2 (1984) 2
D-Day: 40 Years Ago, Part 2 (1984)
Episode 2

Video

Grades: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Part 2 of the D-Day: 40 Years Ago special of Carolina Journal. Veterans from both Axis and Allied powers gather to remember their experiences on D-Day, and to honor the fallen.
3D VR - H. L. Hunley Museum | Let's Go!
3D VR - H. L. Hunley Museum | Let's Go!

Interactive

Grades: 4 8 11

The H.L. Hunley submarine made history during the American Civil War when she became the first submarine to sink an enemy ship in combat. In February 1864, the Hunley, under command of Lieutenant...
Hunley | Sandlapper Online
Hunley | Sandlapper Online

Document

Grades: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Hunley: After Five Generations, The Atlantic Surrenders a National Treasure Margaret N. O'Shea Winter 2002-2003
WWI Photo Gallery | History in a Nutshell
WWI Photo Gallery | History in a Nutshell
Episode 2

Photo

Grades: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

This photo gallery contains the following visuals: Map of Europe, 1914. Triple Entente Countries In Blue; Triple Alliance/Central Powers Countries In Red The Zimmerman Telegram The Evening World...
World War I | History In A Nutshell 1
World War I | History In A Nutshell
Episode 1

Video

Grades: 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

A brief video on World War I: how the war started, the U.S.' involvement, fighting the war, and the aftermath, with the Treaty of Versailles. *Important Note: Italy was originally a member of the...
Behind The Scenes: Cowpens Blog (Southern Campaign)
Behind The Scenes: Cowpens Blog (Southern Campaign)

Video

Grades: 8

The ETV Endowment sponsored a series of tours of three different Southern Campaign battlefields of the American Revolution. With my being a history enthusiast, I was lucky to accompany Steve Folks...
Remembering the Real Meaning of Memorial Day
Remembering the Real Meaning of Memorial Day

Lesson

Grades: 4, 5

After learning about the origin and customs of Memorial Day, the students can connect to various online sites showing the important memorials that have been constructed to honor soldiers who were...

Pearl Harbor | South Carolina's Greatest Generation 2
Pearl Harbor | South Carolina's Greatest Generation
Episode 2

Video

Grades: 5 8 9 10 11 12

On December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was attacked by air, by the Japanese. Nine South Carolinians were killed along with 1,168 of their shipmates on board the Battleship Arizona. The nation was now at...
Women In WWII | South Carolina's Greatest Generation 3
Women In WWII | South Carolina's Greatest Generation
Episode 3

Video

Grades: 8 9 10 11 12

Sixteen million men and women joined the armed services. Women went to work in industry to support the war effort. Women received training to prepare them for jobs that were needed by the military...
Victory | South Carolina's Greatest Generation 9
Victory | South Carolina's Greatest Generation
Episode 9

Video

Grades: 5 8 9 10 11 12

Thirty three days after the death of President Roosevelt, Germany surrenders. The allies celebrate their victory over the Nazis. In 1945, after the two atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and...
The Road To Germany | South Carolina's Greatest Generation 8
The Road To Germany | South Carolina's Greatest Generation
Episode 8

Video

Grades: 8 9 10 11 12

Moffatt Burriss’ infantry outfit fought its way through Italy, and continued to fight its way through France. Burriss’ men, along with another company, were sent across the Waal River to try to take...