Calendar of Military Events, Holidays & Observances
SDI has decades of experience producing communication campaigns and world-class events for the nonprofits, government agencies and corporations supporting our military and veterans’ communities. Our experience has taught us where to find trusted sources for making our clients’ work accurate, timely and relevant. For years, these sources lived in our team’s transition binders, Slack channels, web browsers and collective memories. Now, we have organized SDI’s institutional knowledge in an interactive calendar, and we are sharing it with the world.
If you support those who serve as a communicator, marketer, event producer, or advocate, we hope you find our military events and observances calendar valuable. Please bookmark it, share it, and send us your suggestions for other dates you think should be included (see link below). Please note, for at least a little longer, COVID-19 protocols may affect in-person events, so check back with the authoring organization for updates.
Anniversary of Operation Desert Storm
January 17, 2021 marks the 30th Anniversary of Operation Desert Storm, the 42-day, US-led military operation set in motion by President George H.W. Bush to push Iraqi forces out of […]
African American History Month
Explore the rich contributions and accomplishments of African Americans throughout U.S. Military history with these resources:https://armyhistory.org/category/african-american-history/https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/tuskegee-airmen-interview-daniel-haulmanhttps://www.militarytimes.com/military-honor/black-military-history/
Four Chaplains Day
"In the early morning hours of 3 February 1943, First Sergeant Michael Warish nearly gave up hope as he floated helplessly in the freezing waters of the North Atlantic. Just […]
USO Birthday
2021 marks the 80th Birthday of the United Service Organizations (USO). "Since 1941, the USO has been the nation’s leading organization to serve the men and women in the U.S. military, […]
National Salute to Veteran Patients
"The week of February 14 each year is your opportunity to say thank you to a special group of men and women, the more than 9 million Veterans of the […]
U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Birthday
February 19, 2021 marks the 80th Birthday of the United States Coast Guard Reserve."The Coast Guard Reserve was established by the passage of the Coast Guard reserve and Auxiliary Act […]
VFW Auxiliary Mid-Year Conference
"Join National President Sandi Onstwedder for the 2021 Mid-Year Conference February 19-25, 2021 in sunny Clearwater, Florida."https://vfwauxiliary.org/mid-year-conference/
76th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima
February 19, 2021 marks the 76th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima.“Located roughly half way between Saipan and Tokyo, and directly under the flight path of B-29 Superfortress bombers […]
Student Veterans of America National Conference
Student Veterans of America (SVA) is the premier organization leading service, research, programs, and advocacy for veterans in higher education. Its mission is to act as a catalyst for student […]
International Defense Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) 2021
"The International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) is the most strategically important tri-service defense exhibition in the world. With over 108,000 attendees from 142 countries and 1,250 exhibiting companies participating […]
Air Force Association’s 2021 Virtual Aerospace Warfare Symposium
“After carefully considering the current and projected state of the COVID-19 pandemic, guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and feedback from prospective speakers, attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, Airmen, […]
Anniversary of the End of the Gulf War
February 28, 2021 marks the 30th Anniversary of the End of the Gulf War. “On August 2, 1990, a force of one hundred thousand Iraqi troops invaded Kuwait and overran […]
Women’s History Month
“Women have served in the military since the founding of the Republic. From the story of Molly Pitcher, who served with the Continental Army during the Revolution, to the women […]
Brain Injury Awareness Month
“The Department of Defense and the Military Health System recognizes March each year as Brain Injury Awareness Month to increase awareness of traumatic brain injuries, and the Department’s efforts to […]
U.S. Navy Reserve Birthday
March 3, 2021 marks the 106th Birthday of the United States Navy Reserve.Learn more: https://allhands.navy.mil/Stories/Display-Story/Article/1840644/history-of-the-navy-reserve/
Navy Seabee Birthday
March 5, 2021 marks the 79th Birthday of the Navy Seabees.Learn more: https://usnhistory.navylive.dodlive.mil/2017/03/03/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-your-seabees/ https://americangimuseum.org/seabee-birthday/
140th Birthday of the Command and General Staff College
March 7, 2021 marks the 140th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, KS.Learn more:https://www.cgscfoundation.org/about/the-college/
K9 Veterans Day
"Service members have relied on canine comrades since the beginning of organized warfare, but it wasn’t until March 13, 1942, when the United States Army began training dogs for the […]
American Legion Birthday
March 15, 2021 marks the 101st Birthday of the American Legion."March 15, the designated birthday of The American Legion, is the day in 1919 when the first American Legion caucus, […]
AUSA Global Force Next
AUSA Global Force Next is a three-day virtual event focusing on Army modernization efforts and the Army Futures Command’s eight Cross Functional Teams (CFTs): Long Range Precision Fires, Next Generation […]
Anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom
March 20, 2021 marks the 17th Anniversary of the Start of Operation Iraqi Freedom. “In March 2003, U.S. forces invaded Iraq vowing to destroy Iraqi weapons of mass destruction (WMD) […]
National Rosie the Riveter Day
"'National Rosie the Riveter Day' is a collective national effort to raise awareness of the 16 million women working during World War II."https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-resolution/237/textLearn more:https://rosietheriveter.net/make-march-21st-national-rosie-the-riveter-day/
National Medal of Honor Day
"The United States Congress has designated March 25th of each year as National Medal of Honor Day, a day dedicated to Medal of Honor recipients. The date of March 25th […]
Vietnam Veterans Day
2020 marked the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. We remember 9 million American servicemembers who answered the call to duty.“Vietnam Veterans Day commemorates the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans and […]
Month of the Military Child
“April is designated as the Month of the Military Child, underscoring the important role military children play in the armed forces community. Sponsored by the Department of Defense Military Community […]
Military Saves Month
"Military Saves, a component of America Saves, and a participant in the Department of Defense Financial Readiness Network seeks to motivate, support, and encourage the entire military community to save […]
Gold Star Spouses Day
“Gold star families – spouses, children, parents, siblings or others whose loved one died in service to our nation – are a vital part of our country’s military community and […]
Anniversary of America’s Entry into WWI
April 6, 2021 marks the 103rd Anniversary of the United States' Entry into World War I."Congress declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917, formally bringing the United States into […]
National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day
“On April 9th, National Former POW Recognition Day, we remember the American men and women held captive during war.” http://www.nww2m.com/2016/04/national-former-pow-recognition-day/
160th Anniversary of the Civil War
April 12, 2021 marks the 160th Anniversary of the Start of the Civil War.“At 4:30 a.m. on April 12, 1861, Confederate troops fired on Fort Sumter in South Carolina’s Charleston […]
Air Force Reserve Birthday
April 14, 2021 marks the 73rd Birthday of the United States Air Force Reserve.“The Air Force Reserve was created as a separate component on April 14, 1948, when the Army […]
Purple Up! Day
Throughout the Month of the Military Child, DoDEA encourages schools and communities to plan special events to honor military children. Wearing purple is a visible way for everyone to show […]
U.S. Army Reserve Birthday
April 23, 2021 marks the 113th Birthday of the United States Army Reserve."What began in 1908 as a small corps of medical professionals held in readiness for duty is today […]
Anniversary of the Mexican-American War
April 25, 2021 marks the 175th Anniversary of the Mexican-American War.Learn more:https://history.state.gov/milestones/1830-1860/texas-annexationhttps://www.history.com/topics/mexican-american-war/mexican-american-war
National Military Brats Day
"Military Brats, Inc. founded Military Brats Day in 2016 to recognize present and former children of military personnel, and their dedication and sacrifice in the service of this country."http://militarybratsinc.org/national-military-brats-day-initiative/Learn more: https://www.vehiclesforveterans.org/blog/what-is-military-brats-day-2017/
Anniversary of the End of the Vietnam War
April 30, 2021 marks the 46th Anniversary of the End of the Vietnam War. Learn more: https://www.vvmf.org/ https://armyhistory.org/category/army-history-center/war-cat-91/ https://www.usmcu.edu/Research/Marine-Corps-History-Division/Research-Tools-Facts-and-Figures/Chronologies-of-the-Marine-Corps/Vietnam-War-1962-1975/ https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/wars-and-events/vietnam-war/vietnam-war0.html https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/assets/1/7/United_States_Airforce_in_Vietnam.pdf
Military Appreciation Month
"Officially designated by Congress in 1999, Military Appreciation Month takes place every year throughout the entire month of May. Every year, the president issues an annual proclamation reminding Americans to […]
Month of the Military Caregiver
The Month of the Military Caregiver is observed each May to honor more than five million military caregivers in the U.S.Learn more:https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/
Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
"The observance of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is an occasion to remember the patriotism of AAPIs who have served, or are currently serving, in the Department of […]
Silver Star Service Banner Day
Follow the link below for information on Silver Star Service Banner Day and the Silver Star Medal, recipients of which are celebrated on May 1st each year: http://www.silverstarfamilies.org/
Military Spouse Appreciation Day
"Military Spouse Appreciation Day is a day we honor the contributions and sacrifices made by military spouses. The support and commitment they provide helps keep our country safe. Military spouses […]
Victory in Europe Day
May 8, 2021 marks the 76th Anniversary of the End of World War II in Europe, also known as Victory in Europe Day (or V-E Day).Learn more: https://www.defense.gov/Experience/VE-Day/https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/victory-in-europe
Anniversary of the End of the Civil War
May 9, 2021 marks the 156th Anniversary of the End of the Civil War.Learn more:https://www.battlefields.org/learn/galleries/end-civil-war-detailhttps://armyhistory.org/category/army-history-center/war-cat-4/
Children of Fallen Patriots Day
"To salute the sacrifice of military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty, May 13 has officially been proclaimed Children of Fallen Patriots Day. This date […]
Armed Forces Day
"This holiday pays tribute to men and women who serve across all six branches in the United States military."https://www.govinfo.gov/features/armed-forces-dayLearn more: https://www.uso.org/stories/2225-when-is-armed-forces-day
Memorial Day
"Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America."https://www.usmemorialday.org/history-of-memorial-dayLearn more: https://www.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/history.asp https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/memorial-day-history
PTSD Awareness Month
"The goal of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month is to encourage the public to be aware of the symptoms and causes of PTSD, as well as advance the […]
D-Day
“June 6, 2021 marks the 77th Anniversary of D-Day, when American, British and Canadian forces landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, in the largest land, air and sea operation […]
Women Veterans Day
Women have served in the military since the founding of the Republic. From the story of Molly Pitcher, who served with the Continental Army during the Revolution, to the women […]
Flag Day
"In 1893, the Society of Colonial Dames succeeded in getting a resolution passed to have the flag displayed on all of the city’s public buildings. Elizabeth Duane Gillespie, a direct […]
U.S. Army Birthday
June 14, 2021 marks the 246th Birthday of the United States Army.Learn more:https://history.army.mil/html/faq/birth.html https://armyhistory.org/army-history-center/ https://www.thenmusa.org/
National Veterans Golden Age Games
"The National Veterans Golden Age Games is the premier senior adaptive rehabilitation program in the United States, and the only national multi-event sports and recreational seniors’ competition program designed to […]
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday
June 23, 2021 marks the 82nd Birthday of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. "When the Coast Guard "Reserve" was authorized by act of Congress on June 23, 1939, the […]
Anniversary of the Korean War
June 25, 2021 marks the 71st Anniversary of the Start of the Korean War.“After five years of simmering tensions on the Korean peninsula, the Korean War began on June 25, […]
Anniversary of the Berlin Airlift
June 26, 2021 marks the 73rd Anniversary of the Berlin Airlift, an allied humanitarian aid response to the Soviet Union’s land and sea blockade of West Germany at the end […]
National PTSD Awareness Day
"Many people across the globe suffer silently with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). In an effort to educate the public and help those affected, June 27 has been named PTSD Awareness […]
Independence Day
"Independence Day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 by the Continental Congress declaring that the thirteen American colonies were no longer part of the […]
Disabled American Veterans and Auxiliary 2021 National Convention
DAV’s 2021 101st National Convention will be held in Reno, Nevada. “DAV is a nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families, […]
National Hire a Veteran Day
Follow the links below for resources about hiring veterans and how National Hire a Veteran Day came about:https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/50758/july-25-national-hire-veteran-day/ https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/hire https://blog.dol.gov/2020/07/24/dol-salutes-national-hire-a-veteran-day
National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day
July 27, 2021 marks the 68th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice.Learn more: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/armistice-ends-the-korean-war
National Buffalo Soldiers Day
"Buffalo Soldiers Day on July 28 commemorates the formation of the first regular Army regiments comprised of African American soldiers on September 21, 1866, seventeen months after the end of […]
U.S. Army Chaplain Corps Anniversary
July 29, 2021 marks the 246th Birthday of the United States Army Chaplain Corps."The U.S. Army Chaplain Corps is one of the oldest and smallest branches of the Army. The […]
VFW National Convention
Baltimore, MD"Every year, thousands of VFW and Auxiliary delegates gather to represent the organization’s total membership of more than 1.6 million at the weeklong convention. While there, our mission is […]
Antiterrorism Awareness Month
For resources to learn more, follow the links below:https://www.dla.mil/AboutDLA/News/NewsArticleView/Article/1257388/antiterrorism-awareness/ https://www.army.mil/article/237618/august_is_antiterrorism_awareness_month
Purple Heart Month
"This month is dedicated to paying our respects to all the brave men and women wounded or killed in combat. The official Purple Heart Day is observed on the 7th […]
Anniversary of the Gulf War
August 2, 2021 marks the 31st Anniversary of the start of the Gulf War.“When Saddam Hussein invaded his small, oil-rich neighbor in the summer of 1990, the Department faced its […]
U.S. Coast Guard Birthday
August 4, 2021 marks the 231st Birthday of the United States Coast Guard."The Coast Guard is one of the oldest organizations of the federal government. Established in 1790, the Coast […]
Purple Heart Day
"Purple Heart Day is a day of observance to commemorate the creation of the Purple Heart in 1782."https://www.thepurpleheart.com/history/Learn more: https://www.uso.org/stories/2276-8-purple-heart-facts
National Veterans Wheelchair Games
"The National Veterans Wheelchair Games is the world’s largest annual wheelchair sports event solely for military veterans. The event demonstrates the unstoppable character of veterans and seeks to foster wider […]
US Department of Defense Birthday
August 10, 2021 marks the 72nd Birthday of the United States Department of Defense.Learn more: https://www.defense.gov/
Vietnam Veterans of America’s National Convention
Vietnam Veterans of America’s 2021 National Convention will be held in Greensboro, North Carolina. “VVA’s goals are to promote and support the full range of issues important to Vietnam veterans, […]
National Navajo Code Talkers Day
“August 14 is National Navajo Code Talkers Day, a day to commemorate the contributions of Native American code talkers who served in the U.S. military during World Wars I and […]
National Spirit of ’45 Day
Spirit of '45 Day, passed unanimously by the U.S. Congress in 2010, honors America’s “Greatest Generation” and is observed on the second weekend in August, coinciding with the anniversary of […]
National Airborne Day
To learn about National Airborne Day, follow the link below:https://www.army.mil/article/238179/national_airborne_day_holds_special_resonance_at_fort_benning_birthplace_of_the_airbornehttps://www.hfotusa.org/the-history-behind-national-airborne-day/
AMVETS National Convention
The AMVETS National Convention is set to be held in Greensboro, NC in 2021.Learn more: https://amvets.org/amvets-national-convention/
Anniversary of the US-German Peace Treaty
August 25, 2021 marks the 100th Anniversary of the US-German Peace Treaty.Learn more:https://history.state.gov/milestones/1914-1920/paris-peace
The American Legion’s 102nd National Convention
The American Legion’s 102nd National Convention will take place in Phoenix, Arizona, August 27 – September 2, 2021.Learn more:https://www.legion.org/convention/resources
U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Birthday
August 29, 2021 marks the 106th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps Reserve.Learn more:https://www.marineheritage.org/https://www.marforres.marines.mil/https://americangimuseum.org/marine-corps-reserves-birthday/
PVA 10th Annual Healthcare Summit + Expo
"For ten years Paralyzed Veterans of America has expanded its commitment to spinal cord injury/disease (SCI/D), MS, and ALS patient care through its annual Summit. Summit is an intensive, three-day […]
Anniversary of the End of Operation Iraqi Freedom
August 31, 2021 marks the 11th Anniversary of the End of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On August 31, 2010, President Barack Obama declared the end of Operation Iraqi Freedom.Learn more:https://www.archives.gov/research/alic/reference/military/war-in-iraq.htmlhttps://www.cfr.org/timeline/iraq-war
SSLA’s Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium and Career Transitioning Seminar
The 33rd Annual Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium (JWLS) will take place August 31-September 1, 2021, at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott in Norfolk, Va. Each year at JWLS, SSLA offers professional […]
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is a time to share resources and stories in an effort to shed light on this stigmatized topic. It is important to address these issues […]
Anniversary of the End of WWII
September 2, 2021 marks the 76th Anniversary of the End of World War II, also referred to as Victory Over Japan Day, or V-J Day.“On September 2, 1945, formal surrender […]
NGAUS 143rd General Conference and Exhibition
"More than 2,000 Army and Air National Guard officers from all 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia gather to connect, party and get down to business setting […]
20th Anniversary of 9/11
This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Terrorist Attack on the U.S. “September 11th is Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance. On this day Americans […]
Hispanic Heritage Month
“Hispanic and Latino Americans have distinguished themselves in the U.S. military for as long as our country has existed.” https://blogs.loc.gov/loc/2017/10/national-hispanic-heritage-month-celebrating-veterans/ Learn more: https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/79921/secretary-wilkie-honoring-hispanic-american-veterans/ https://www.army.mil/hispanics/history.html https://www.uso.org/stories/2469-hispanic-american-military-heroes
National POW/MIA Recognition Day
"National POW/MIA Recognition Day was established in 1979 through a proclamation signed by President Jimmy Carter. Since then, each subsequent president has issued an annual proclamation commemorating the third Friday […]
U.S. Air Force Birthday and Air National Guard Birthday
September 18, 2021 marks the 74th Birthday of both the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard."The official birth date of the Air National Guard as a reserve […]
Air Force Association’s 2021 National Convention
The Air Force Association's 2021 National Convention will be held in National Harbor, MD.Learn more: https://www.afa.org/events/calendar/2021-09-18/national-convention
Air Force Association’s 2021 Air, Space & Cyber Conference
The Air Force Association’s 2021 Air, Space & Cyber Conference will be held in National Harbor, MD.Learn more: https://www.afa.org/events/calendar/2021-09-20/air-space-cyber-conference
Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day
Originally observed as Gold Star Mother’s Day and declared by Congress in 1936 to be held on the last Sunday in September, President Obama amended the declaration in 2011 to […]
Anniversary of Operation Enduring Freedom
October 7, 2021 marks the 20th Anniversary of Operation Enduring Freedom.Learn more: http://www.ndswm.org/ https://www.cfr.org/timeline/us-war-afghanistanhttps://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/u-s-led-attack-on-afghanistan-begins
U.S. Navy Birthday
October 13, 2021 marks the 246th Birthday of the United States Navy."A 13 October 1775 resolution of the Continental Congress established what is now the United States Navy with 'a […]
24th Anniversary of the Military Women’s Memorial
“Dedicated to the more than 3 million women who have served our country since the American Revolution, the Military Women’s Memorial is located at the gateway to Arlington National Cemetery […]
National Military Family Appreciation Month
“November is Military Family Appreciation Month—a time when America honors and recognizes those unique sacrifices and challenges family members make in support of their loved ones in uniform. No matter […]
National Veterans Small Business Week
"Each year the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) celebrates, connects, and empowers service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses during National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW). […]
U.S. Marine Corps Birthday
November 10, 2021 marks the 246th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps.“On 10 November 1775, the Second Continental Congress resolved to raise two battalions of Marines. Congress commissioned thirty-one […]
National Museum of the Marine Corps Birthday
November 10, 2021 marks the 15th Birthday of the National Museum of the Marine Corps."The National Museum of the Marine Corps is a lasting tribute to U.S. Marines--past, present, and […]
Anniversary of the End of WWI
November 11, 2021 marks the 103rd Anniversary of the End of World War I, Armistice Day.“World War I – known at the time as ‘The Great War’ – officially ended […]
National Museum of the U.S. Army Birthday
November 11, 2021 marks the First Anniversary of the Opening of the National Museum of the United States Army.“The National Museum of the United States Army celebrates over 245 years […]
Veterans Day
"Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, […]
Centennial Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery
November 11, 2021 marks the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery."The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is Arlington National Cemetery’s most iconic memorial. […]
Army War College Birthday
November 27, 2021 marks the 120th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Army War College."The US Army War College educates and develops leaders for service at the strategic level while […]
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
"Each year on Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Survivors, veterans, and visitors from all over the world come together to honor and remember the 2,403 service members and civilians who were […]
U.S. National Guard Birthday
December 13, 2021 marks the 385th Birthday of what is now the United States National Guard.“On this date in 1636, the first militia regiments in North America were organized in […]
Anniversary of the End of the Iraq War
December 15, 2021 marks the 10th Anniversary of the End of the Iraq War.Learn more: https://www.gwotmemorialfoundation.org/https://www.cfr.org/timeline/iraq-warhttps://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/united-states-declares-end-to-iraq-war
National Wreaths Across America Day
"Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at […]