Updated September 2026 · 4 min read
A calendar of the days Americans set aside to honor those who serve and those who gave their lives — with exact dates for 2026 and 2027. Floating holidays such as Memorial Day and Armed Forces Day are calculated automatically.
Upcoming observances
- Oct 13Tuesday, 2026Navy Birthday
The Continental Navy was established on October 13, 1775. - Nov 10Tuesday, 2026Marine Corps Birthday
The Continental Marines were founded at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia on November 10, 1775. - Nov 11Wednesday, 2026Veterans Day
Honors all who have served. It began as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I fighting at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918. - Dec 7Monday, 2026Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
National day of remembrance for the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. - Dec 13Sunday, 2026National Guard Birthday
The Guard traces its roots to the first militia regiments organized in Massachusetts on December 13, 1636. - Dec 20Sunday, 2026Space Force Birthday
The Space Force was established on December 20, 2019. - Mar 25Thursday, 2027National Medal of Honor Day
Marks the first presentation of the Medal of Honor, to Private Jacob Parrott and five other Andrews’ Raiders, on March 25, 1863. - Mar 29Monday, 2027National Vietnam War Veterans Day
Honors Vietnam veterans on the anniversary of the day the last U.S. combat troops left South Vietnam in 1973. - May 7Friday, 2027Military Spouse Appreciation Day
The Friday before Mother’s Day recognizes the spouses who serve alongside the service member. - May 15Saturday, 2027Armed Forces Day
The third Saturday in May honors everyone currently serving in the U.S. armed forces. - May 31Monday, 2027Memorial Day
The last Monday in May honors the men and women who died while serving. A National Moment of Remembrance is observed at 3 p.m. local time. - Jun 14Monday, 2027Army Birthday & Flag Day
The Army was founded on June 14, 1775; Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes on June 14, 1777.
Full calendar for 2027
| Date | Observance |
|---|---|
| Thursday, March 25 | National Medal of Honor Day |
| Monday, March 29 | National Vietnam War Veterans Day |
| Friday, May 7 | Military Spouse Appreciation Day |
| Saturday, May 15 | Armed Forces Day |
| Monday, May 31 | Memorial Day |
| Monday, June 14 | Army Birthday & Flag Day |
| Sunday, July 4 | Independence Day |
| Tuesday, July 27 | National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day |
| Wednesday, August 4 | Coast Guard Birthday |
| Saturday, August 7 | Purple Heart Day |
| Saturday, September 11 | Patriot Day |
| Friday, September 17 | National POW/MIA Recognition Day |
| Saturday, September 18 | Air Force Birthday |
| Sunday, September 26 | Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day |
| Wednesday, October 13 | Navy Birthday |
| Wednesday, November 10 | Marine Corps Birthday |
| Thursday, November 11 | Veterans Day |
| Tuesday, December 7 | Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day |
| Monday, December 13 | National Guard Birthday |
| Monday, December 20 | Space Force Birthday |
Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day
Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Veterans Day (November 11) honors everyone who has served, living or dead. Armed Forces Day (the third Saturday in May) recognizes those currently in uniform. Our fallen heroes page lists the 669 Medals of Honor awarded posthumously.
How to observe these days
- Visit a national cemetery or a local memorial; many hold public ceremonies.
- On Memorial Day, pause for the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time.
- Fly the flag correctly — at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, then at full staff.
- Read the story of a Medal of Honor recipient from your state on our state pages, or someone who acted on that day in history.
- Support an organization that serves troops, veterans or Gold Star families — see ways to honor.