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

Pearl Harbor | South Carolina's Greatest Generation
Episode 2

Video

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
Episode 3

Video

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
Episode 9

Video

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...