Honoring our Military Members &
their Families Throughout the Year
Find Ways To Honor Them All At Every Turn
From the solemn reflection of Memorial Day in May to the heartfelt recognition of Military Family Appreciation Month in November, the military calendar tells a powerful story. It’s a story of service, sacrifice, pride, and resilience. One that unfolds not only during ceremonies and observances, but in everyday life on U.S. military installations.
This stretch of the year represents a meaningful opportunity to connect with one of the most engaged yet under served audiences in America.
This stretch of the year represents a meaningful opportunity to connect with one of the most engaged yet under served audiences in America.
Branch Birthdays & Service Anniversaries
Each branch of the military celebrates its founding date annually.
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Coast Guard Reserve Birthday: February 19
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Navy Reserve Birthday: March 3
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Air Force Reserve Birthday: April 14
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Army Reserve Birthday: April 23
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U.S. Army Birthday: June 14 (251st)
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Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday: June 23
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U.S. Coast Guard Birthday: August 4 (236th)
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Marine Forces Reserve Birthday: August 29
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U.S. Air Force Birthday: September 18 (79th)
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U.S. Navy Birthday: October 13
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U.S. Marine Corps Birthday: November 10
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National Guard Birthday: December 13
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U.S. Space Force Birthday: December 20
Major Federal Military Holidays
These days are federally recognized and typically result in the closure of government offices.
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Presidents' Day (Washington's Birthday): Monday, February 16. While a general holiday, it is often a day of military history reflection.
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Memorial Day: Monday, May 25. A solemn day dedicated to honoring those who died in military service.
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Independence Day: Saturday, July 4 (Observed Friday, July 3). The 250th anniversary of the U.S. will include the "largest synchronized celebration in history".
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Veterans Day: Wednesday, November 11. Honors all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Key 2026 military dates honoring Spouses and Children:
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April 1–30, 2026: Month of the Military Child – The entire month is dedicated to honoring the resilience of military children.
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April 5, 2026 (Sunday): Gold Star Spouses Day – A day dedicated to remembering and honoring the spouses of military service members who died in the line of duty.
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April 15, 2026 (Wednesday): Purple Up! Day – A designated day within the Month of the Military Child where people wear purple to show support for military
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May 8, 2026 (Friday): Military Spouse Appreciation Day – Celebrated annually on the Friday before Mother’s Day, this day honors the contribution, service, and sacrifices of military spouses.
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May 13, 2026 (Wednesday): Children of Fallen Patriots Day – Recognizes the children left behind by service members who gave their lives.
Here is a list of significant military observances & what they stand for in 2026
February 3 Four Chaplains Day
February 9 Coast Guard Reserve Birthday
March 13 National K9 Veterans Day: The service and sacrifice of military and working dogs
March 25 Medal of Honor Day: Recipients of the highest U.S. military award for valor
April 5 Gold Star Spouses Day: The surviving spouses and families of military members who made the ultimate sacrifice in service
April 14 Air Force Reserve Birthday
April 23 Army Reserve Birthday
April 1–30, 2026: Month of the Military Child – The entire month is dedicated to honoring the resilience of military children.
April 15, 2026 (Wednesday): Purple Up! Day – A designated day within the Month of the Military Child where people wear purple to show support for military
May National Military Appreciation Month: The contributions, sacrifices, and service of the members of the armed forces, past and present
May 3rd Saturday of May Armed Forces Day: All currently serving active duty personnel across all six branches
May Friday before Mother's Day (May) Military Spouse Appreciation Day: Military spouses, the backbone of every military household
May Last Monday Memorial Day: Service members who died while serving, the most solemn military holiday
June 14 Flag Day: The American flag and the values it represents
June 14 Army Birthday: The founding of the U.S. Army in 1775
June 27 PTSD Awareness Day: To raise public awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
July 4th Independence Day: 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation
July 27 Korean War Veterans Armistice Day
August 4 Coast Guard Birthday: The U.S. Coast Guard, founded in 1790
August 7 Purple Heart Day: Honoring US military members who were wounded or killed in combat
3rd Friday in September POW/ MIA Recognition Day: To honor the commitment and sacrifices made by prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action
September 18 Air Force Birthday: The U.S. Air Force, established in 1947
Last Sunday in September Gold Star Mother's Day: To honor mother's who have lost a child in the armed forces
October 13 Navy Birthday: The U.S. Navy, founded in 1775
October 26 National Day of the Deployed: Service members currently deployed away from home and family
November 10 Marine Corps Birthday: The U.S. Marine Corps, established in 1775
November 11 Veterans Day: All living and deceased veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces
December 7 National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: To remember and honor the Americans lives lost in Pearl Harbor
December 13 National Guard Birthday: The oldest military branch in America
December 20 Space Force Birthday: America's newest branch of the Armed Forces
December 20 National Wreaths Across America Day
Will you join us on the 1st Thursday of every month at First Baptist Church Woodstock in the
“A” Building, room A250, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. for some food and fellowship.