Armed Forces Day 2024, 2025 and further

View below the dates for (among others) Armed Forces Day 2024 and Armed Forces Day 2025.
You can also see on which day the holiday falls and how many days it is until this holiday.

Significance of Armed Forces Day 2024

Armed Forces Day 2024 is a federal holiday observed annually on the third Saturday of May. It is a day dedicated to paying tribute to men and women who currently serve in the United States' armed forces. Additionally, Armed Forces Day 2024 forms part of Armed Forces Week. It should be noted, that because of their unique training schedules, National Guard and Reserve units may celebrate Armed Forces Day/Week over any period in the month of May.

History of Armed Forces Day

The inception of this Armed Forces Day dates back to 31 August 1949, it was a day dedicated to honour Americans who were currently serving in the five U.S. military branches – the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard – following the consolidation of the military services in the United States Department of Defence. It was intended to replace the separate Army-, Navy-, Air Force-, Marine Corps- and Coast Guard Days but, today, the separate holidays are still observed independently.

On 20 May 1950, the holiday was first observed. The theme for that day was “Teamed for Defence” which expressed the unification of all military forces. Armed Force Day 2024 still remains as a day focused on expanding public knowledge and understanding on what type of job was performed within the army, the role of the military within civilian life and as a day of honour for all those serving in military forces.

Traditions of Armed Forces Day 2024

Traditionally, Armed Forces Day 2024 is viewed as a time of honour. The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated by parades, open houses, receptions and air shows. Today, many events and activities take place and may include: Multi-service military displays in areas open for the public, various educational activities that teach children about the armed forces and large parades and other local celebrations. The United States' longest continuously running Armed Forces Day Parade is held in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Certain types of music are also played at Armed Forces Day 2024 events as a way of showing respect those in the armed forces who died for their country.

When is Armed Forces Day 2024

Armed Forces Day 2024 is a federal holiday and falls on the third Saturday of May, annually. The date on which the holiday falls on, changes each year but the day remains the same; consult the above table for exact holiday dates.See besides 'Armed Forces Day' even more holidays, click on one of the links below.

View or download the 2023 calendar.

See also the 2023 Calendar.