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

Victory by Valor: Shaw Air Force Base, Part 6
Episode 6

Video

Col. James Post, Wing Commander, states that, "What I'd like to be remember for, I think, is helping facilitate the training, the most realistic training possible, and preparing our airmen to ensure...
Victory by Valor: Shaw Air Force Base
Episode 8

Video

Mike Gartland continues to relay the history of Shaw Air Force Base. In World War II, the mission was to teach pilots to fly airplanes. The first aircraft that the 20th used there was the P51 Mustang...
Victory by Valor: Shaw Air Force Base, Part 3
Episode 3

Video

The three squadrons of the 20th Fighter Wing must be ready for high-intensity combat at a moment's notice. That requires training of typically about 12 hours a day. The planning usually happens the...
Vanishing Generation, Part 10
Episode 10

Video

The single most important event in world history in the 20th century occurred more than sixty years ago, and we have lost many of our ties to that past. Preserving the history of World War II has...
Victory by Valor: Shaw Air Force Base, Part 4
Episode 4

Video

Lieutenant Colonel Jacqueline Crum, Civil Engineer, discusses the operational mission being the war on terrorism. With over 7,000 employees, a payroll of $230 million, and 35,000 acres, plus a 12,500...
Vanishing Generation, Part 9
Episode 9

Video

Veterans of World War II reflect on whether they should be considered heroes or not. One says he happened to be over there, and he volunteered to go to Hawaii, but they didn't know the war would come...
Victory by Valor: Shaw Air Force Base, Part 2
Episode 2

Video

The 20th Fighter Wing arrived at Shaw Air Force Base in 1946. No one knows where the motto came from. The emblem was approved in 1934. The records no longer exist, but the colors have significance...
Victory By Valor: Shaw Air Force Base, Part 1
Episode 1

Video

Shaw Air Base in Sumter, S.C. is the home of the 20th Fighter Wing of the United States Air Force, with 88 aircraft and three fighter squadrons. Shaw is also headquarters for the 9th Air Force and U.S...
Vanishing Generation, Part 4
Episode 4

Video

Tom Grove, prisoner of war survivor, recalls the Battle of the Bulge, and says that is where he got his first combat injury. He was taken prisoner that day, after a German tank pulled up in front of...