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

The Commemoration Question
Episode 8

Video

Dr. Ryan Floyd discusses how Americans, especially South Carolinians, wanted to properly honor those who fought in World War I.
Food Rationing And Temporary Wartime Prohibition
Episode 19

Video

Dr. Angela Jill Cooley discusses the reasons behind food rationing, and the temporary wartime prohibition during World War I. Dr. Cooley also talks about the establishment of government food...
Careers In History Or Writing
Episode 27

Video

For anyone interested in pursuing a career in history, or writing, then this video is for you! Experts who participated in Lander University's World War I Symposium share insight for those interested...
How Did World War I Affect The South?
Episode 6

Video

Dr. Matthew Downs discusses how the lingering effects of the American Civil War shaped the attitudes of American southerners during World War I.