Military Observances

Find out the different military observances and the differences between each day.

Armed Forces Day. Observed the third Saturday in May, this day is for all who currently serve and all who have served, both active and former, in the reserves, National Guard or on active duty, including the Coast Guard.  It replaced separate days that honored various branches of the military (Army, Air Force and Navy).

Veterans Day. Celebrated annually on November 11, this day of observance is for all living and deceased who have served in the military.

Memorial Day. Celebrated annually on the last Monday in May, this day of observance is for all who died while serving

National Guard Birthday Celebrated December 13, honors all citizen-soldiers who have civilian jobs but are available to provide support and protection for the states’ civilians. They may be called for military operations at a national level.

Within this Collection

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The U.S. Army's Birthday | History In A Nutshell Shorts
The U.S. Army's Birthday | History In A Nutshell Shorts

Video

Grades: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

The date of June 14th is the birthday of the United States Army! Founded on this day in 1775, the US Army’s origins are traced back to the old Continental Army, which was formed to fight against the...
Lt. George Dixon's Coin | Curiosity Trek!
Lt. George Dixon's Coin | Curiosity Trek!

Photo

Grades: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

This is a close up of Lt. George Dixon's $20 gold coin which saved his life at the Battle of Shiloh. The inscription reads: "Shiloh April 6th, 1862 My Life Preserver G.E.D."
SC National Guard | Carolina Snaps
SC National Guard | Carolina Snaps

Video

The South Carolina National Guard includes the Army and Air National Guard units. The SC Army National Guard dates back to 1670 and was reorganized into the current National Guard system in 1903 when...
"Remember the Alamo!" | History In A Nutshell Shorts
"Remember the Alamo!" | History In A Nutshell Shorts

Video

Grades: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

During the Texas Revolution, Fort Alamo, located in present-day San Antonio, fell to President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna’s Mexican troops on March 6, 1836. This siege between Mexican forces and...
Parris Island | Carolina Snaps
Parris Island | Carolina Snaps

Video

Parris Island in Beaufort, SC has trained US Marines since 1915. It was named after Alexander Parris. In 1949 it began training female recruits. Its mission is to transform recruits through rigorous...
Fort Jackson | Carolina Snaps
Fort Jackson | Carolina Snaps

Video

Fort Jackson in Columbia, SC trains 50% of US Army soldiers and 60% of female recruits. It was established in 1917 and almost closed in 1949 but remained open due to the Cold War and Korean War. It...
Shaw Air Force Base | Carolina Snaps
Shaw Air Force Base | Carolina Snaps

Video

Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina is home to the 9th Air Force Headquarters and the 20th Fighter Wing. It was activated as Shaw Field in 1941 for Army Air Corps pilot training before the US...
Skytrails Exhibit
Skytrails Exhibit

Video

Grades: 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

The South Carolina Military Museum’s newly unveiled “South Carolina Airfields: Then and Now” exhibit aims to tell the story of the Palmetto State’s contributions and involvement in the field of...
Fort Moultrie National Park | Let's Go!
Fort Moultrie National Park | Let's Go!

Video

Grades: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Higher Education

The first fort on Sullivan's Island, constructed of palmetto logs and sand, was still incomplete when Commodore Sir Peter Parker of the Royal Navy and nine British men-of-war attacked it on June 28...
3D VR - Fort Moultrie National Park | Let's Go!
3D VR - Fort Moultrie National Park | Let's Go!

Interactive

Grades: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Higher Education

The first fort on Sullivan's Island, constructed of palmetto logs and sand, was still incomplete when Commodore Sir Peter Parker of the Royal Navy and nine British men-of-war attacked it on June 28...
Fort Moultrie Photo Gallery | Let's Go!
Fort Moultrie Photo Gallery | Let's Go!

Photo

Grades: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

This supplementary photo gallery for Fort Moultrie includes the following images: Painting of the Battle of Sullivan's Island Main entrance into Fort Moultrie Fort Moultrie Sally-Port Principal...
We Have A Story To Tell 6
We Have A Story To Tell
Episode 6

Video

Grades: 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Higher Education

Today, the SC National Guard is a global force in the fight for worldwide peace and security. In partnership with other countries, its engagement and impact continue to be felt well beyond the borders...
We Have A Story To Tell 5
We Have A Story To Tell
Episode 5

Video

Grades: 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Higher Education

Ever since September 11, 2001, the SC National Guard’s 263rd Army and Air Missile Defense Command has had continuous watch over the skies of Washington, D.C. Today, the SC Air National Guard has units...
We Have A Story To Tell 4
We Have A Story To Tell
Episode 4

Video

Grades: 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Higher Education

Major General T. Eston Marchant became the first Adjutant General in decades to send troops into combat in Operation Desert Storm. South Carolina’s 51st and 251st units were called up to serve in...
We Have A Story To Tell 3
We Have A Story To Tell
Episode 3

Video

Grades: 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Higher Education

General John Dozier retired as South Carolina’s Adjutant General in 1959, and was replaced by Major General Frank D. Pinckney. Pinckney led the SC National Guard through the tumultuous 1960’s, an era...