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

Pickens, Marion, Sumter, Part 3 | Palmetto Heritage

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Thomas Sumter was determined to drive the British out from South Carolina. “The Fighting Gamecock” earned his moniker due to his tenacity in battle. A band of British assassins attempted to sneak into...
Pickens, Marion, Sumter, Part 1 | Palmetto Heritage

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Hosts Ellen Rodillo-Fowler and Nathan Dawson guide viewers through this edition of Palmetto Heritage, which spotlights three significant South Carolina figures: Thomas Sumter (The Fighting Gamecock)...
Pickens, Marion, Sumter, Part 2 | Palmetto Heritage

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While the British tangled with Andrew Pickens in South Carolina’s upstate, Francis Marion’s patriots fought the British in the Pee Dee region. Marion was known as “The Swamp Fox” due to his effective...
Race Relations During The World War I Era
Episode 22

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Viewer Discretion Is Advised Dr. Kathryn Silva on racial relations between Whites and African Americans during World War I, and the days of Jim Crow.
Working For The S.C. Confederate Relic Room And Museum
Episode 13

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Dr. Fritz Hamer talks about his career path, and how he became the curator of history, and archivist at South Carolina's Confederate Relic Room And Military Museum. Check out Knowitall's virtual tour...