Honoring service, sacrifice, and remembrance.
Learn about important national days of recognition connected to veterans, military service, and the American flag.
Important dates in American military history.
These observances help communities reflect on the service of veterans, remember those who gave their lives, and recognize the symbols and traditions tied to our nation’s military history.
Veterans Day
Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11. It honors military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other countries to mark the anniversary of the end of World War I. Major hostilities of World War I formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. At the urging of major U.S. veterans organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a U.S. public holiday observed in May to honor those who died while serving in the military. Another military holiday, Armed Forces Day, also occurs in May and honors those currently serving in the U.S. military.
Flag Day
In the United States, Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. Flag Day is not an official federal holiday, but it may be officially proclaimed at the president’s discretion. It represents the adoption of the flag of the United States by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777, and also marks the birthday of the U.S. Army on June 14, 1775. In 1916, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress.
Preserving the meaning behind the dates.
Each observance carries a unique purpose. Together, they help us honor veterans, remember sacrifice, and understand the history behind the traditions that continue to shape communities across the country.