PCS Season
At this time of year — across the country and around the world — many service members receive orders for a permanent change of station, or PCS.
Military Consumer Protection Month
This observance focuses on the need to educate service members to make smart financial decisions and to protect themselves against fraud.
Parks and Recreation Month
During July, people are encouraged to take advantage of local parks and recreation centers by getting outside, exploring local parks and enjoying outdoor activities.
Independence Day
The annual commemoration of the United States’ Declaration of Independence from Great Britain in 1776 and its founding as a sovereign nation.
National Hire a Veteran Day
This day reminds employers across the country to consider hiring highly trained and qualified veterans.
Boys & Girls Club Military Youth of the Year Ceremony
The Military Youth of the Year award recognizes military-connected youth, ages 14 to 18, for their commitment to community service, academic success, good character and citizenship, and establishing long-term goals.
U.S. Coast Guard Birthday
Founded in 1790, the Coast Guard is a maritime service unique among the U.S. military branches for having a mission that includes defense operations, maritime law enforcement, and search and rescue.
Purple Heart Day
This day commemorates the creation of the oldest American military decoration for military merit, the Purple Heart, and honors the men and women who are members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
Marine Corps Reserve Birthday
As U.S. involvement in World War I appeared more likely, the increased demand for warfighters warranted the formal creation of an operational reserve force, and on Aug. 29, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Naval Appropriations Act of 1916, which established the Marine Corps Reserve.
Library Card Sign-Up Month
This month reminds parents, caregivers and students that signing up for a library card is the first step toward academic achievement and lifelong learning.
Suicide Prevention Month
The goal of this month is to reach out to those affected by suicide, raise awareness and connect individuals with suicidal ideas to treatment services.
National Preparedness Month
National Preparedness Month is a reminder that we all must prepare ourselves and our families now and throughout the year. The focus is on disaster planning and readiness.
Sept. 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance
National Day of Service and Remembrance, also known as Patriot Day, commemorates the memory of the people killed in the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001.
Air Force Birthday
Founded in 1947, the Air Force is the aerial and space warfare service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Air Force’s core missions are air and space superiority, global integrated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, rapid global mobility, global strike and command and control.
Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day
Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day honors families who have lost a son or daughter while serving in the military. A gold star symbolizes a family member who died in the U.S. Armed Forces.
National Bullying Prevention Month
During this month, communities nationwide are called upon to educate the public and raise awareness of bullying prevention.
Domestic Violence Prevention Month
During October, communities across the nation unite to prevent domestic abuse and provide resources and information to help those impacted.
Navy Birthday
Established in 1775, the Navy is the naval warfare branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. It consisted of 319,000 active-duty personnel, 282 deployable combat vessels and more than 3,700 operational aircraft in 2018.
National Day of the Deployed
This day honors all service members who have been deployed in service of our country.
Navy Day
This annual event salutes all of the women and men who have served, both past and present, in the U.S. Navy.
Adoption Month
Adoption Month raises awareness of the value of adoption for building strong and loving families. November 19 is National Adoption Day.
National Veterans and Military Families Month
During this month, Americans honor the contributions of veterans, military families and those who gave their lives in service to our country.
National Family Caregivers Month
During this month, we acknowledge the millions of family caregivers who are caring for loved ones with chronic health conditions.
Family Literacy Month
This month encourages families to build literacy skills by reading with their children.
Marine Corps Birthday
Founded in 1775, the Marine Corps is the U.S. Armed Forces combined-arms task force on land, at sea and in the air.
Veterans Day 2024
On this day, Americans honor everyone who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Children’s Grief Awareness Day
Children’s Grief Awareness Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the needs of grieving children and the importance of providing support to them. Grief is a natural response to the loss of a loved one, and it can be especially challenging for children to understand and cope with. Children’s Grief Awareness Day is an opportunity to make sure that grieving children receive the support they need.
Pearl Harbor Day
This day commemorates the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor and the United States’ entry into World War II.
National Guard Birthday
Founded in 1636, the National Guard is a reserve military force composed of National Guard units of each state and the territories of Guam, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Most guardsmen hold civilian jobs while serving part time. National Guard units are under the dual control of the state and the federal government.
Space Force Birthday
Founded in 2019, the Space Force is the newest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. It was established within the Department of the Air Force, meaning the secretary of the Air Force has overall responsibility under the guidance and direction of the secretary of defense.