
An Armed Forces Day, alongside its
branch
A branch, also called a ramus in botany, is a stem that grows off from another stem, or when structures like veins in leaves are divided into smaller veins.
History and etymology
In Old English, there are numerous words for branch, includ ...
-specific variants often referred to as Army or Soldier's Day, Navy or Sailor's Day, and Air Force or Aviator's Day, is a
holiday
A holiday is a day or other period of time set aside for festivals or recreation. ''Public holidays'' are set by public authorities and vary by state or region. Religious holidays are set by religious organisations for their members and are often ...
dedicated to honoring the
armed forces
A military, also known collectively as armed forces, is a heavily armed, highly organized force primarily intended for warfare. Militaries are typically authorized and maintained by a sovereign state, with their members identifiable by a ...
, or one of their branches, of a
sovereign state
A sovereign state is a State (polity), state that has the highest authority over a territory. It is commonly understood that Sovereignty#Sovereignty and independence, a sovereign state is independent. When referring to a specific polity, the ter ...
, including their
personnel
Employment is a relationship between two parties regulating the provision of paid labour services. Usually based on a contract, one party, the employer, which might be a corporation, a not-for-profit organization, a co-operative, or any othe ...
, history, achievements, and
sacrifices
Sacrifice is an act or offering made to a deity. A sacrifice can serve as propitiation, or a sacrifice can be an offering of praise and thanksgiving.
Evidence of ritual animal sacrifice has been seen at least since ancient Hebrews and Greeks ...
. It's often
patriotic
Patriotism is the feeling of love, devotion, and a sense of attachment to one's country or state. This attachment can be a combination of different feelings for things such as the language of one's homeland, and its ethnic, cultural, politic ...
or
nationalistic
Nationalism is an idea or movement that holds that the nation should be congruent with the state. As a movement, it presupposes the existence and tends to promote the interests of a particular nation, Smith, Anthony. ''Nationalism: Theory, Id ...
in nature, carrying information value outside of the conventional boundaries of a military's
subculture
A subculture is a group of people within a culture, cultural society that differentiates itself from the values of the conservative, standard or dominant culture to which it belongs, often maintaining some of its founding principles. Subcultures ...
and into the wider
civilian
A civilian is a person who is not a member of an armed force. It is war crime, illegal under the law of armed conflict to target civilians with military attacks, along with numerous other considerations for civilians during times of war. If a civi ...
society. Many nations around the world observe this day. It is usually distinct from a
Veterans
A veteran () is a person who has significant experience (and is usually adept and esteemed) and expertise in an job, occupation or Craft, field.
A military veteran is a person who is no longer serving in the military, armed forces.
A topic o ...
or
Memorial Day
Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day) is a federal holiday in the United States for mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is observed on the last Monday of May.
It i ...
, as the former is dedicated to those who previously served and the latter is dedicated to those who perished in the fulfillment of their duties.
Africa
Egypt
In Egypt, Armed Forces Day is celebrated on 6 October, the date on which the
Yom Kippur War
The Yom Kippur War, also known as the Ramadan War, the October War, the 1973 Arab–Israeli War, or the Fourth Arab–Israeli War, was fought from 6 to 25 October 1973 between Israel and a coalition of Arab world, Arab states led by Egypt and S ...
of 1973 began with the
Egyptian Army
The Egyptian Army (), officially the Egyptian Ground Forces (), is the land warfare branch (and largest service branch) of the Egyptian Armed Forces. Until the declaration of the Republic and the abolishment of the monarchy on 18 June 1953, it w ...
's successful crossing of the
Suez Canal
The Suez Canal (; , ') is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt, Indo-Mediterranean, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea through the Isthmus of Suez and dividing Africa and Asia (and by extension, the Sinai Peninsula from the rest ...
that culminated in the capture of the
Bar Lev Line
The Bar Lev Line ( ; ) was a chain of fortifications built by Israel along the eastern bank of the Suez Canal shortly after the 1967 Arab–Israeli War, during which Egypt lost the entire Sinai Peninsula. It was considered impenetrable by the ...
.
Liberia
Armed Forces Day
An Armed Forces Day, alongside its Military branch, branch-specific variants often referred to as Army or Soldier's Day, Navy or Sailor's Day, and Air Force or Aviator's Day, is a holiday dedicated to honoring the Military, armed forces, o ...
is celebrated on 11 February.
Mali
Mali Armed Forces Day is celebrated on 20 January.
Mauritania
Mauritanian Armed Forces
The Armed Forces of Mauritania (, ) is the defense force of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, having an army, navy, air force, gendarmerie, and presidential guard. Other services include the national guard and national police, though they b ...
Day is celebrated on 10 July. Armed Forces Day is marked with events of national importance, such as flag raising ceremonies, awards ceremonies and military parades. It was established in 1960 by President
Moktar Ould Daddah
Moktar Ould Daddah (; December 25, 1924 – October 14, 2003) was a Mauritanian politician who served as the country's first President after it gained its independence from France. Moktar served as the country's first List of prime ministers of Ma ...
as a professional holiday for the armed forces, replacing the holidays of the separate branches of the armed forces, as well as resembling the
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day owing to the tradition of wearing a remembrance poppy) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth of Nations, Commonwealth member states since the end of the First World War to honour armed forces me ...
celebrations in the
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Northwestern Europe, off the coast of European mainland, the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...
. It is not a public holiday in the country.
Nigeria
In Nigeria, Armed Forces Day, also known as
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day owing to the tradition of wearing a remembrance poppy) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth of Nations, Commonwealth member states since the end of the First World War to honour armed forces me ...
, is celebrated on 15 January. It was formerly celebrated on 11 November of every year to coincide with the Remembrance Day (
Poppy Day
Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day owing to the tradition of wearing a remembrance poppy) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth of Nations, Commonwealth member states since the end of the First World War to honour armed forces me ...
) for the
World War II
World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...
veterans in the British
Commonwealth of Nations
The Commonwealth of Nations, often referred to as the British Commonwealth or simply the Commonwealth, is an International organization, international association of member states of the Commonwealth of Nations, 56 member states, the vast majo ...
. But it was changed to 15 January in Nigeria in commemoration of the surrender of
Biafran
Biafara anglicized as Biafra ( ), officially the Republic of Biafra, was a partially recognised state in West Africa that declared independence from Nigeria and existed from 1967 to 1970. Its territory consisted of the former Eastern Region o ...
troops to the Federal troops on 15 January 1970, thus concluding the
Nigerian Civil War
The Nigerian Civil War (6 July 1967 – 15 January 1970), also known as the Biafran War, Nigeria-Biafra War, or Biafra War, was fought between Nigeria and the Republic of Biafra, a Secession, secessionist state which had declared its independen ...
that sought to tear apart the unity of Nigeria.
Somalia
Somali Armed Forces
The Somali Armed Forces are the military forces of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Headed by the president as commander-in-chief, they are constitutionally mandated to ensure the nation's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
I ...
Anniversary is celebrated on 12 April as the Armed Forces were founded on 12 April 1960. The branches of Armed Forces conduct a military parade in the Ministry of Defence's campus each year.
South Africa
Armed Forces Day for the
South African National Defence Force
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) comprises the armed forces of South Africa. The Chief of the SANDF is appointed by the President of South Africa from one of the armed services. They are in turn accountable to the Minister of ...
is celebrated on 21 February, the day of the 1993 reconstitution of the
South African Defence Force
The South African Defence Force (SADF) (Afrikaans: ''Suid-Afrikaanse Weermag'') comprised the armed forces of South Africa from 1957 until 1994. Shortly before the state reconstituted itself as a republic in 1961, the former Union Defence Fo ...
into its current identity. It has been celebrated with parades nationwide since 2012. Since 2017, the Armed Forces Day event also honors the fallen of the tragic 1917 sinking of
SS Mendi
SS ''Mendi'' was a British passenger steamship that was built in 1905 and, as a troopship, sank after collision with great loss of life in 1917.
Alexander Stephen and Sons of Linthouse in Glasgow, Scotland launched her on 18 June 1905 for th ...
, which carried South African forces into the frontlines during the First World War, resulting in one of the biggest military losses ever in South African military history.
Americas
Argentina
In Argentina, the commemorative dates of the Armed Forces are as follows:
* 17 May: Argentine Navy Day
* 29 May: Argentine Army Day
* 10 August: Argentine Air Force Day
Bolivia
Bolivian Armed Forces Day () is marked on 7 August, the day after Independence Day, as it was the day in 1826 when Bolivia's first President,
Antonio José de Sucre
Antonio José de Sucre y Alcalá (; 3 February 1795 – 4 June 1830), known as the "Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho" (), was a Venezuelan general and politician who served as the president of Bolivia from 1825 to 1828. A close friend and associate ...
, officially gave his sanction to the creation of the
Armed Forces of Bolivia
The Bolivian Armed Forces (Spanish: ''Fuerzas Armadas de Bolivia'') are the military of Bolivia. The Armed Forces of Bolivia are responsible for the defence, both of external and internal, of Bolivia and they are constituted by Bolivian Army, th ...
.
Brazil
In Brazil, the commemorative dates of the Armed Forces are as follows:
Brazilian Navy
The Brazilian Navy () is the navy, naval service branch of the Brazilian Armed Forces, responsible for conducting naval warfare, naval operations.
The navy was involved in War of Independence of Brazil#Naval action, Brazil's war of independence ...
():
* 11 June – Brazilian Navy Day ()
* 13 December – Sailor's Day ()
Brazilian Army
The Brazilian Army (; EB) is the branch of the Brazilian Armed Forces responsible, externally, for defending the country in eminently terrestrial operations and, internally, for guaranteeing law, order and the constitutional branches, subordina ...
():
* 19 April – Brazilian Army Day ()
* 25 August – Soldier's Day ()
Brazilian Air Force
The Brazilian Air Force (, FAB) is the air branch of the Brazilian Armed Forces and one of the three national uniformed services. The FAB was formed when the Brazilian Brazilian Army Aviation (1919–1941), Army and Brazilian Naval Aviation, Nav ...
():
* 23 October – Aviator's Day ()
Canada
In Canada,
Canadian Armed Forces
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF; , FAC) are the unified Military, military forces of Canada, including sea, land, and air commands referred to as the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force. Under the ''National Defenc ...
Day (CAFD) () is celebrated on the first Sunday in June and is a celebration of Canada's armed services, their heritage, and their personnel. It was established as a result of passing of a motion in the
House of Commons
The House of Commons is the name for the elected lower house of the Bicameralism, bicameral parliaments of the United Kingdom and Canada. In both of these countries, the Commons holds much more legislative power than the nominally upper house of ...
on 25 April 2002. Canadian Armed Forces Day is not a public holiday in Canada. Official congratulations are given by the
Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Forces
The commander-in-chief of the Canadian Armed Forces () exercises supreme command and control over Canada's military, the Canadian Armed Forces. Constitutionally, command-in-chief is vested in the Monarchy of Canada, Canadian monarch, currently . ...
, the
Prime Minister of Canada
The prime minister of Canada () is the head of government of Canada. Under the Westminster system, the prime minister governs with the Confidence and supply, confidence of a majority of the elected House of Commons of Canada, House of Commons ...
, the
Minister of National Defence, and the
Chief of the Defence Staff. An inspection of an inter-service
guard of honour
A guard of honour (Commonwealth English), honor guard (American English) or ceremonial guard, is a group of people, typically drawn from the military, appointed to perform ceremonial duties – for example, to receive or guard a head of state ...
is commonplace during the holiday. Tributes to CF personnel usually happen at the
National War Memorial and the
Canadian Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier ( French: ''Tombe du Soldat Inconnu'') is a tomb situated before the National War Memorial in Confederation Square, Ottawa, Ontario. The tomb is dedicated to Canadian service members, and holds the remains of an ...
in
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. It is located in the southern Ontario, southern portion of the province of Ontario, at the confluence of the Ottawa River and the Rideau River. Ottawa borders Gatineau, Gatineau, Quebec, and forms the cor ...
. The event is similar to the
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day owing to the tradition of wearing a remembrance poppy) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth of Nations, Commonwealth member states since the end of the First World War to honour armed forces me ...
celebrations in the fall. In 2018,
CFB Borden
Canadian Forces Base Borden (also CFB Borden, French: Base des Forces canadiennes Borden or BFC Borden), formerly RCAF Station Camp Borden, is a large Canadian Forces base located in Ontario. The historic birthplace of the Royal Canadian Air Forc ...
organized an air show for the holiday.
Chile
In Chile, Army Day () is a national holiday celebrated every 19 September, a day after the independence day, with the Gran Parada Militar, a
military parade
A military parade is a formation of military personnels whose movement is restricted by close-order manoeuvering known as Drill team, drilling or marching. Large military parades are today held on major holidays and military events around the ...
where all the branches of the armed forces display some of their troops and equipment in a special part of
O'Higgins Park
O'Higgins Park (, previously known as Parque Cousiño), covering approximately , is Santiago, Chile's second largest public park after Metropolitan Park. It is situated in the center of the capital city, within the Santiago Commune.
Named afte ...
in
Santiago
Santiago (, ; ), also known as Santiago de Chile (), is the capital and largest city of Chile and one of the largest cities in the Americas. It is located in the country's central valley and is the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Regi ...
. Several other smaller parades can be seen in other cities of the country, as well as air displays by the air force, on Independence Day, 18 September.
For the Chilean Navy, its counterpart is the national
Navy Day
Several nations observe or have observed a Navy Day to recognize their navy.
By country
Argentina
The Argentine Navy day is celebrated on May 17, anniversary of the victory achieved in 1814 against the Spanish fleet in the action of 14 ...
() celebrations on 21 May, in honor of the double anniversaries of the
Battle of Iquique
The Battle of Iquique was a Naval warfare, naval engagement on 21 May 1879, during the War of the Pacific, where a Chile, Chilean corvette commanded by Arturo Prat, Arturo Prat Chacón faced a Peru, Peruvian Ironclad warship, ironclad under Mig ...
and the
Battle of Punta Gruesa
The Battle of Punta Gruesa was a naval action that took place on May 21, 1879, during the War of the Pacific between Chile and Peru. This may be labelled as the second part of the Naval Battle of Iquique, which occurred on the same day, although ...
in 1879.
Valparaiso is where the main celebrations are concentrated, with a military parade in the morning and the President of Chile's State of the Nation address in the afternoon. Similar parades are hosted in major and minor cities and towns nationwide.
Colombia
In
Colombia
Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia, is a country primarily located in South America with Insular region of Colombia, insular regions in North America. The Colombian mainland is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the north, Venezuel ...
, Army Day () is celebrated every 7 August, in commemoration of the
Battle of Boyacá (1819) which led to the expulsion of most of the Spanish Forces in the country. The
Colombian Army
The National Army of Colombia () is the land warfare service branch of the Military Forces of Colombia. With over 361,420 active personnel as of 2020, it is the largest and oldest service branch in Colombia, and is the second largest army in the ...
holds a military ceremony on the site of the battle to commemorate its anniversary. It was established as a result of a presidential decree by President
Alfonso López Michelsen
Alfonso López Michelsen (30 June 1913 – 11 July 2007) was a Colombian politician and lawyer who served as the 24th President of Colombia from 1974 to 1978. He was nicknamed "El Pollo" (The Chicken), a popular Colombian idiom for people with ...
in 1978 (decreto No 1461 de 1978).
For the
Colombian Navy
The Colombian Navy, officially the Colombian National Navy (), also known as the ''"Armada Nacional"'' or just the ''"Armada"'' in Spanish, is the naval branch of the Military Forces of Colombia, military forces of Colombia.
The Navy is responsi ...
, it celebrates
Navy Day
Several nations observe or have observed a Navy Day to recognize their navy.
By country
Argentina
The Argentine Navy day is celebrated on May 17, anniversary of the victory achieved in 1814 against the Spanish fleet in the action of 14 ...
(Spanish: ''Día de la Armada de Colombia'') every 24 July, in commemoration of the
Battle of Lake Maracaibo
The Battle of Lake Maracaibo also known as the "Naval Battle of the Lake" was fought on 24 July 1823 on Venezuela's Lake Maracaibo between fleets under the commands of Republican Admiral José Prudencio Padilla and royalist Captain Ángel L ...
in 1823 led by Colombian Admiral
José Prudencio Padilla
Admiral José Prudencio Padilla López ( Riohacha, 19 March 1784, – Bogotá, Colombia, 2 October 1828) was a Neogranadine military leader who fought in the Spanish American wars of independence and a hero in the battles of independence fo ...
. A
Naval Review
A Naval Review is an event where select vessels and assets of the United States Navy are paraded to be reviewed by the President of the United States or the Secretary of the Navy. Due to the geographic distance separating the modern U.S. Na ...
is held in the main naval bases in the
Pacific
The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest of Earth's five oceanic divisions. It extends from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Southern Ocean, or, depending on the definition, to Antarctica in the south, and is bounded by the cont ...
and
Caribbean
The Caribbean ( , ; ; ; ) is a region in the middle of the Americas centered around the Caribbean Sea in the Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, mostly overlapping with the West Indies. Bordered by North America to the north, Central America ...
, with the main celebrations concentrated in the
Bay of Cartagena where the largest Naval Review is held.
Cuba
The
Day of the Cuban Armed Forces is celebrated on 2 December to commemorate the landing of the
Granma in 1956. The first ever
military parade
A military parade is a formation of military personnels whose movement is restricted by close-order manoeuvering known as Drill team, drilling or marching. Large military parades are today held on major holidays and military events around the ...
in years to be held on the holiday was marked in 2006. The parade on 2 January 2017 (postponed for 1 month due to the
Death and state funeral of Fidel Castro
Former first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and president of the Council of State, Fidel Castro died of natural causes in his sleep at 22:29 ( CST) on the evening of 25 November 2016, at the age of 90. His brother, Raúl Castro, who wa ...
) was the second and the final event marking the diamond jubilee since the events of 1956.
Dominican Republic
Armed Forces Day () is celebrated on 25 February to commemorate the anniversary of the armed forces of the Dominican Republic. It is also the day of birth of Matías Ramón Mella, who is regarded as a national hero in the Dominican Republic and fired the first shot with his blunderbuss to proclaim, along with other patriots, the Independence from Haiti on 27 February 1844. On 27 February a military parade is held to commemorate the Independence anniversary.
Ecuador
In
Ecuador
Ecuador, officially the Republic of Ecuador, is a country in northwestern South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean on the west. It also includes the Galápagos Province which contain ...
, the commemorative dates of the Armed Forces are as follows:
Ecuadorian Army
The Ecuadorian Army () is the land component of the Ecuadorian Armed Forces. Its 25,650 active soldiers are deployed in relation to its military doctrine. The contemporary Ecuadorian Army incorporates many jungle and special forces infantry un ...
():
* 27 February – Ecuadorian Army Day (), in commemoration of the
Battle of Tarqui
The Battle of Tarqui, also known as the Battle of Portete de Tarqui, took place on 27 February 1829 at Tarqui, near Cuenca, today part of Ecuador. It was fought between troops from Gran Colombia, commanded by Antonio José de Sucre, and Peruvia ...
(1829)
Ecuadorian Navy
The Ecuadorian Navy () is an Ecuadorian entity responsible for the surveillance and protection of national maritime territory and has a personnel of 9,400 men to protect a coastline of 2,237 km which reaches far into the Pacific Ocean. The v ...
():
* 25 July – Ecuadorian Navy Day (), in commemoration of the Battle of Jambelí (part of the
Ecuadorian–Peruvian War
The Ecuadorian–Peruvian War, known locally as the War of '41 (), was a South American border war fought between 5–31 July 1941. It was the first of three military conflicts between Ecuador and Peru during the 20th century.
During the war, ...
, 1941)
Ecuadorian Air Force
The Ecuadorian Air Force (; FAE) is the air branch of the Armed Forces of Ecuador.
Mission
To develop the military air wing, in order to execute institutional objectives which guarantee sovereignty and contribute towards the nation's security an ...
():
* 27 October – Anniversary of foundation (1920)
Guatemala
In Guatemala, Día del Ejército is celebrated on 30 June. It is remembered because in 1871 the Liberal Revolution or "Revolución Liberal", led by
Miguel García Granados
Miguel García Granados y Zavala (29 September 1809 – 8 September 1878) was a Spanish-born Guatemalan politician and military general who served as President of Guatemala from 1871 to 1873.
Early life
García Granados was born in El ...
and
Justo Rufino Barrios
Justo Rufino Barrios Auyón (19 July 1835 – 2 April 1885) was a Guatemalan politician and military general who served as President of Guatemala from 1873 to his death in 1885. He was known for his liberal reforms and his attempts to reun ...
, and composed of personnel of the
Guatemalan Army
The Guatemalan Armed Forces () is the unified military organization comprising the Guatemalan Army, Navy, Air Force, and Presidential Honor Guard. The president of Guatemala is the commander-in-chief of the military, and formulates policy, tra ...
, marched on the streets of Guatemala City and captured the Presidential palace, putting an end to the ''Conservadora'' administration formerly headed by
Rafael Carrera
José Rafael Carrera y Turcios (24 October 1814 – 14 April 1865) was the president of Guatemala from 1844 to 1848 and from 1851 until his death in 1865, after being appointed President for life in 1854. He ruled during the establishment of ne ...
, marking the start of a new era in Guatemalan history. Parades are held in honor of the holiday in Guatemala City and in other major towns nationwide.
Haiti
In Haiti, is celebrated on 18 November in celebration of the victory of the indigenous slave African and
Gens de couleur
In ancient Rome, a gens ( or , ; : gentes ) was a family consisting of individuals who shared the same ''nomen gentilicium'' and who claimed descent from a common ancestor. A branch of a gens, sometimes identified by a distinct cognomen, was cal ...
versus the European forces led by France with support from United States and Spain.
Mexico
Mexican Armed Forces
The Mexican Armed Forces () are the military forces of the United Mexican States. The Spanish crown established a standing military in colonial Mexico in the eighteenth century. After Mexican independence in 1821, the military played an import ...
Day (
Spanish
Spanish might refer to:
* Items from or related to Spain:
**Spaniards are a nation and ethnic group indigenous to Spain
**Spanish language, spoken in Spain and many countries in the Americas
**Spanish cuisine
**Spanish history
**Spanish culture
...
: Día de las Fuerzas Armadas Mexicanas) is celebrated on 19 February since 1950, in commemoration of the decree that created them in 1917.
Peru
In Peru, the Día de las Fuerzas Armadas del Perú (English: ''Peruvian Armed Forces Day'') is celebrated on 24 September, the feast of the Virgin of Mercy, patroness of the Armed Forces. The day for the
Peruvian Army
The Peruvian Army (, abbreviated EP) is the branch of the Peruvian Armed Forces tasked with safeguarding the independence, sovereignty and integrity of national territory on land through military force. Additional missions include assistance in s ...
itself is 9 December, commemorating Peru's victory in the
Battle of Ayacucho
The Battle of Ayacucho (, ) was a decisive military encounter during the Peruvian War of Independence. This battle secured the independence of Peru and ensured independence for the rest of belligerent South American states. In Peru it is conside ...
, which ended the
Peruvian War of Independence
The Peruvian War of Independence () was a series of military conflicts in Peru from 1809 to 1826 that resulted in the country's independence from the Spanish Empire. Part of the broader Spanish American wars of independence, it led to the dis ...
, while for the
Peruvian Navy
The Peruvian Navy (, abbreviated MGP) is the branch of the Peruvian Military of Peru, Armed Forces tasked with surveillance, patrol and defense on lakes, rivers and the Pacific Ocean up to from the Peruvian littoral. Additional missions include ...
, Navy Day is on 8 October, the double anniversary of the 1821 foundation of the Navy and the
Battle of Angamos
The Battle of Angamos () was a naval encounter of the War of the Pacific fought between the navies of Chile and Perú at Punta Angamos, on 8 October 1879. The battle was the culminating point of a naval campaign that lasted about five months i ...
in 1879.
Air Force Day is held on 23 July, the anniversary of the death of
Peruvian Air Force
The Peruvian Air Force (, FAP) is the branch of the Peruvian Military of Peru, Armed Forces tasked with defending the nation and its interests through the use of aerial warfare, air power. Additional missions include assistance in safeguarding i ...
Lieutenant
José Quiñones Gonzales
José Abelardo Quiñones Gonzáles (April 22, 1914 – July 23, 1941) was a Peruvian military aviator who posthumously became a national hero for his actions at the Battle of Zarumilla during the Ecuadorian–Peruvian War of 1941.
Early life
Qui� ...
during the 1941
Ecuadorian–Peruvian War
The Ecuadorian–Peruvian War, known locally as the War of '41 (), was a South American border war fought between 5–31 July 1941. It was the first of three military conflicts between Ecuador and Peru during the 20th century.
During the war, ...
.
The
Great Military Parade of Peru
On July 29 every year, the Grand Military Parade of Peru celebrating the anniversary of Peru's declaration of independence from Spain in 1821 is held in Lima, the national capital, by members of the Peruvian Armed Forces and the National Police o ...
is held on the day after Independence Day, 29 July, and this is where all 3 services of the Armed Forces are also honored.
United States
In the United States, Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May. It falls near the end of Armed Forces Week, which begins on the second Saturday of May and ends on the third Sunday of May (or the fourth, if the month begins on a Sunday, as in 2016).
Because of their unique training schedules,
National Guard
National guard is the name used by a wide variety of current and historical uniformed organizations in different countries. The original National Guard was formed during the French Revolution around a cadre of defectors from the French Guards.
...
and
reserve units may celebrate Armed Forces Day/Week over any period in the month of May.
First observed on 20 May 1950,
the day was created on 31 August 1949 as President
Harry S. Truman
Harry S. Truman (May 8, 1884December 26, 1972) was the 33rd president of the United States, serving from 1945 to 1953. As the 34th vice president in 1945, he assumed the presidency upon the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt that year. Subsequen ...
led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank military members for their patriotic service in support of the republic and national interests and as an undeniable fact of American life. Secretary of Defense
Louis A. Johnson announced the creation to honor Americans serving in the five U.S. military branches – the
U.S. Army
The United States Army (USA) is the primary land service branch of the United States Department of Defense. It is designated as the Army of the United States in the United States Constitution.Article II, section 2, clause 1 of the United Stat ...
,
U.S. Navy
The United States Navy (USN) is the maritime service branch of the United States Department of Defense. It is the world's most powerful navy with the largest displacement, at 4.5 million tons in 2021. It has the world's largest aircraft ...
,
U.S. Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps (USMC), also referred to as the United States Marines or simply the Marines, is the maritime land force service branch of the United States Department of Defense. It is responsible for conducting expeditionary ...
,
U.S. Air Force
The United States Air Force (USAF) is the air service branch of the United States Department of Defense. It is one of the six United States Armed Forces and one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. Tracing its origins to 1 ...
and
U.S. Coast Guard – following the consolidation of the military services in the
U.S. Department of Defense
The United States Department of Defense (DoD, USDOD, or DOD) is an executive department of the U.S. federal government charged with coordinating and supervising the six U.S. armed services: the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Space Force, t ...
as part of a modern
U.S. Armed Forces
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. U.S. federal law names six armed forces: the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and the Coast Guard. Since 1949, all of the armed forces, except th ...
. It was intended to replace the separate Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard holidays, but the separate days are still observed, especially within the respective services. The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated by
parade
A parade is a procession of people, usually organized along a street, often in costume, and often accompanied by marching bands, floats, or sometimes large balloons. Parades are held for a wide range of reasons, but are usually some variety ...
s,
open houses, receptions and
air show
An air show (or airshow, air fair, air tattoo) is a public event where aircraft are trade fair, exhibited. They often include aerobatics demonstrations, without which they are called "static air shows" with aircraft parked on the ground.
The ...
s. The United States'
longest continuously running Armed Forces Day Parade is held in
Bremerton, Washington
Bremerton is a city in Kitsap County, Washington, Kitsap County, Washington (state), Washington, United States. The population was 43,505 at the 2020 United States census, 2020 census and an estimated 44,122 in 2021, making it the largest city ...
.
On 19 May 2017, President
Donald Trump
Donald John Trump (born June 14, 1946) is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who is the 47th president of the United States. A member of the Republican Party (United States), Republican Party, he served as the 45 ...
reaffirmed the Armed Forces Day holiday, marking the 70th anniversary since the creation of the Department of Defense. On 15 May 2020, Armed Forces Day honored the newly established
United States Space Force
The United States Space Force (USSF) is the space force branch of the United States Department of Defense. It is one of the six United States Armed Forces, armed forces of the United States and one of the eight uniformed services of the Unite ...
for the first time.
Aside from the Armed Forces Day, the Armed Forces and the National Guard Bureau are honored on the following days:
* 29 March:
National Vietnam War Veterans Day
National Vietnam War Veterans Day is observed annually on March 29 in the United States. It is a List of observances in the United States by presidential proclamation, national observance that recognizes veterans who served in the US military du ...
(general commemoration in the Armed Forces)
* Last Monday of May:
Memorial Day
Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day) is a federal holiday in the United States for mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is observed on the last Monday of May.
It i ...
* 14 June:
Flag Day
A flag day is a flag-related holiday, a day designated for flying a certain flag (such as a national flag) or a day set aside to celebrate a historical event such as a nation's adoption of its flag.
Flag days are usually codified in national s ...
and
U.S. Army Birthday
The U.S. Army was founded on 14 June 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized enlistment of riflemen to serve the United Colonies for one year. June 14th is celebrated as the U.S. Army Birthday.
The 14 June is when the Congress adopted "th ...
(United States Army)
* 4 August:
Coast Guard Day
Coast Guard Day is held every August 4 to commemorate the founding of the United States Coast Guard as the Revenue-Marine on August 4, 1790, by then-Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton. On that date, U.S. Congress, guided by Hamilton, au ...
(United States Coast Guard)
* 17 September:
Constitution Day
Constitution Day is a holiday to honour the constitution of a country. Constitution Day is often celebrated on the anniversary of the signing, promulgation or adoption of the constitution, or in some cases, to commemorate the change to constitut ...
(general commemoration in the Armed Forces)
* 18 September:
Air Force Day
Air Force Day or Day of the Air Force is observed by several nations with an armed forces as a military holiday to recognize their country's air force. These holidays often hold the same status as any military's Armed Forces Day.
By country A ...
(United States Air Force)
* 13 October:
U.S. Navy Birthday (United States Navy)
* 27 October:
Navy Day
Several nations observe or have observed a Navy Day to recognize their navy.
By country
Argentina
The Argentine Navy day is celebrated on May 17, anniversary of the victory achieved in 1814 against the Spanish fleet in the action of 14 ...
(United States Navy)
* 10 November:
Marine Corps Birthday (United States Marine Corps)
* 11 November:
Veterans Day
Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day) is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with holidays in several countries, i ...
* 13 December: National Guard Day (National Guard of the United States)
* 20 December: Space Force Birthday (United States Space Force)
Venezuela
Venezuela celebrates Army Day on 24 June, the anniversary of
Simón Bolívar
Simón José Antonio de la Santísima Trinidad Bolívar y Palacios (24July 178317December 1830) was a Venezuelan statesman and military officer who led what are currently the countries of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, and Bol ...
's victory in the
Battle of Carabobo
The Battle of Carabobo, on 24 June 1821, was fought between independence fighters, led by Venezuelan General Simón Bolívar, and the Royalist forces, led by Spanish Field Marshal Miguel de la Torre. Bolívar's decisive victory at Carabobo led ...
, which led to Venezuela's independence from Spain.
Navy Day
Several nations observe or have observed a Navy Day to recognize their navy.
By country
Argentina
The Argentine Navy day is celebrated on May 17, anniversary of the victory achieved in 1814 against the Spanish fleet in the action of 14 ...
, honoring the 1823
Battle of Lake Maracaibo
The Battle of Lake Maracaibo also known as the "Naval Battle of the Lake" was fought on 24 July 1823 on Venezuela's Lake Maracaibo between fleets under the commands of Republican Admiral José Prudencio Padilla and royalist Captain Ángel L ...
, is celebrated on the same day as the birthday of Simón Bolívar, 24 July.
The Venezuelan Air Force marks Air Force Day on 27 November every year, honoring the role of Venezuelan military aviation in national history (the date, used since 2010, is in remembrance of the 2nd of the
1992 Venezuelan coup d'état attempts
The Venezuelan coup attempt of February 1992 was an attempt to seize control of the government of Venezuela by the Hugo Chávez-led Revolutionary Bolivarian Movement-200 (MBR-200) that took place on 4 February 1992.Uppsala Conflict Data Progr ...
in which the Air Force took part). From 1946 until 2009, 10 December was celebrated as Air Force Day in honor of the birth of national military aviation with the 1920 opening of the Air Force Academy in Maracay.
National Guard Day is celebrated on 3 August, the date of the 1936 founding of the Venezuelan National Guard. The entire Venezuelan National Armed Forces are also honored on Independence Day, 5 July, which is also earmarked as National Armed Forces Day.
Asia
Azerbaijan
The
Day of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan
Day of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan () is a holiday annually celebrated on June 26 in Azerbaijan, by the decree issued by President Heydar Aliyev, to commemorate the Azerbaijani Armed Forces.
Prehistory
On June 26, 1918 a Muslim Corps, establis ...
() is celebrated on 26 June. The events are centered around a
military parade
A military parade is a formation of military personnels whose movement is restricted by close-order manoeuvering known as Drill team, drilling or marching. Large military parades are today held on major holidays and military events around the ...
in
Baku
Baku (, ; ) is the Capital city, capital and List of cities in Azerbaijan, largest city of Azerbaijan, as well as the largest city on the Caspian Sea and in the Caucasus region. Baku is below sea level, which makes it the List of capital ci ...
, the national capital. The annual parade is one of the biggest in the
Commonwealth of Independent States
The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is a regional organization, regional intergovernmental organization in Eurasia. It was formed following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. It covers an ar ...
.
Armenia
Army Day () is celebrated on 28 January to commemorate the formation of the armed forces of the newly independent Armenia in 1992.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh observes Armed Forces Day on 21 November to mark the occasion of the Tri-Services joint operation against occupying Pakistani forces in the
Liberation War
Wars of national liberation, also called wars of independence or wars of liberation, are conflicts fought by nations to gain independence. The term is used in conjunction with wars against foreign powers (or at least those perceived as foreign) ...
, 1971.
The day starts with laying of a floral wreath at '
Sikha Anirban' (Eternal Flame) at
Dhaka Cantonment
Dhaka Cantonment () is a cantonment located in the northern part of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The headquarters of the Bangladesh Army and Air Force are situated within the cantonment. The cantonment is located on the north-east end of Dhaka.
History ...
by the President, the Prime Minister and the service chiefs. In the afternoon a reception is held at Senakunja, Dhaka Cantonment where the Prime Minister, ministers, the leader of the opposition and other high civil and military officials attend. In other
cantonment
A cantonment (, , or ) is a type of military base. In South Asia, a ''cantonment'' refers to a permanent military station (a term from the British Raj). In United States military parlance, a cantonment is, essentially, "a permanent residential ...
s, naval bases, and air bases, similar receptions are held. A special TV programme ''Anirban'' is broadcast on different TV channels the previous evening, and special newspaper supplements are published with national
dailies
In filmmaking, dailies or rushes are the raw, film editing, unedited footage shot during the making of a motion picture. The term "dailies" comes from when movies were all shot on film because usually at the end of each day, the footage was dev ...
. Receptions are also held by the Prime Minister and the service chiefs for recipients of the gallantry award Freedom Fighter Award. Special meals for family members are served in all military stations. The Armed Forces Division also brings out a special publication with articles related to the War of Independence and the armed forces.
Brunei
Armed Forces Day (''Hari Ulang Tahun Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja'') is marked on 31 May annually to mark the formal raising on this date in 1961 of the
Royal Brunei Armed Forces
The Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF); (ABDB), Jawi script, Jawi: , is the official organisation and collective term for all of the military forces or service branches of the sultanate of Brunei, Brunei Darussalam. The RBAF consists of three pr ...
.
China (People's Republic of China)
The
People's Liberation Army Day ( zh, 中国人民解放军建军纪念日) is celebrated in the
People's Republic of China
China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. With population of China, a population exceeding 1.4 billion, it is the list of countries by population (United Nations), second-most populous country after ...
on 1 August in commemoration of the founding of the
People's Liberation Army
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is the military of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the People's Republic of China (PRC). It consists of four Military branch, services—People's Liberation Army Ground Force, Ground Force, People's ...
during the
Nanchang Uprising of 1927. On 30 June 1933, the Central Committee for Military Revolutionary Cases of the
Chinese Communist Party
The Communist Party of China (CPC), also translated into English as Chinese Communist Party (CCP), is the founding and One-party state, sole ruling party of the People's Republic of China (PRC). Founded in 1921, the CCP emerged victorious in the ...
(CCP) voted to declare 1 August an annual holiday. This was solidified on 11 July of that same year, when this decision was approved by the government of the
Chinese Soviet Republic
The Chinese Soviet Republic (CSR) was a state within China, proclaimed on 7 November 1931 by Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leaders Mao Zedong and Zhu De in the early stages of the Chinese Civil War. The discontiguous territories of the CSR incl ...
. Since then, the date has been celebrated as the professional holiday and birthday of the PLA.
Georgia
Georgia marks its Armed Forces Day ( ka, შეიარაღებული ძალების დღე) on 30 April to commemorate the foundation of the
Defense Forces of Georgia
The Defence Forces of Georgia ( ka, საქართველოს თავდაცვის ძალები, tr), or Georgian Defence Forces (GDF), are the combined military forces of Georgia, tasked with the defence of the nation's indep ...
in 1991.
India
In India,
Army Day
An army, ground force or land force is an armed force that fights primarily on land. In the broadest sense, it is the land-based military branch, service branch or armed service of a nation or country. It may also include aviation assets by p ...
is celebrated on 15 January,
Navy Day
Several nations observe or have observed a Navy Day to recognize their navy.
By country
Argentina
The Argentine Navy day is celebrated on May 17, anniversary of the victory achieved in 1814 against the Spanish fleet in the action of 14 ...
is celebrated on 4 December and Air Force Day is celebrated on 8 October every year and 7 December is celebrated as
Armed Forces Flag Day. This ''Armed Forces Flag Day'' is a day dedicated to the collection of funds from people of India for the welfare of the
Indian Armed Forces personnel.
Indonesia
Hari Tentara Nasional Indonesia (English: ''Indonesian National Armed Forces Day'') abbreviated HUT TNI; is celebrated on 5 October, the day of the foundation of the Tentara Keamanan Rakyat (''People's Security Armed Forces''), the predecessor of the
TNI, in 1945, itself a replacement for the ''Badan Keamanan Rakyat'' (''People's Security Corps'') established on 29 August on the same year. Military parades are held nationwide in major cities and provincial capitals in honor of the TNI's serving men and women and military veterans.
Iran
Rouz-e Artesh (English: ''Army Day'') is celebrated on 18 April. Exhibitions of the
Iranian Army
The Islamic Republic of Iran Army (), acronymed AJA (), commonly simplified as the Iranian Army, is the conventional military of Iran and part of the Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces. It is tasked to protect the territorial integrity of th ...
, such as a military parade of active personnel and veterans in the presence of the
President of Iran
The president of the Islamic Republic of Iran () is the head of government of the Iran, Islamic Republic of Iran and the second highest-ranking official, after the Supreme Leader of Iran, supreme leader. The 1980 Iranian presidential election, fi ...
in front of the
Mausoleum of Ruhollah Khomeini
The Mausoleum of Ruhollah Khomeini (; ), also known as the Holy Shrine, or the ''Haram Motahhar'', is a Shi'ite Islamic mausoleum that houses the tombs of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, his wife Khadijeh Saqafi, and his second son Ahmad Khomeini; ...
, takes place during the holiday events. The Islamic Republic of Iran celebrates this day since 1979. It has been established by the former
Supreme Leader of Iran
The supreme leader of Iran, also referred to as the supreme leader of the Islamic Revolution, but officially called the supreme leadership authority, is the head of state and the highest political and religious authority of Iran (above the Presi ...
,
Ruhollah Khomeini
Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini (17 May 1900 or 24 September 19023 June 1989) was an Iranian revolutionary, politician, political theorist, and religious leader. He was the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the main leader of the Iranian ...
, two months after the fall of the
Shah
Shāh (; ) is a royal title meaning "king" in the Persian language.Yarshater, Ehsa, ''Iranian Studies'', vol. XXII, no. 1 (1989) Though chiefly associated with the monarchs of Iran, it was also used to refer to the leaders of numerous Per ...
Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
Mohammad Reza Pahlavi (26 October 1919 – 27 July 1980) was the last List of monarchs of Iran, Shah of Iran, ruling from 1941 to 1979. He succeeded his father Reza Shah and ruled the Imperial State of Iran until he was overthrown by the ...
.
Iraq
Iraqi Army Day is celebrated on 6 January, and marks the anniversary of the activation of the
Iraqi Army
The Iraqi Ground Forces (Arabic: القوات البرية العراقية), also referred to as the Iraqi Army (Arabic: الجيش العراقي), is the ground force component of the Iraqi Armed Forces. It was formerly known as the Royal Iraq ...
on 6 January 1921. Soldiers typically hold military parades in the
Green Zone
The Green Zone () is the most common name for the International Zone of Baghdad. It is a area in the Karkh, Karkh district of central Baghdad, Iraq. It is the chief government precinct and the seat of the Iraqi government.
History
Pre-200 ...
of
Baghdad
Baghdad ( or ; , ) is the capital and List of largest cities of Iraq, largest city of Iraq, located along the Tigris in the central part of the country. With a population exceeding 7 million, it ranks among the List of largest cities in the A ...
to mark the holiday, although it is not celebrated in the
Kurdistan Region
Kurdistan Region (KRI) is a semi-autonomous Federal regions of Iraq, federal region of the Iraq, Republic of Iraq. It comprises four Kurds, Kurdish-majority governorates of Arabs, Arab-majority Iraq: Erbil Governorate, Sulaymaniyah Governorate ...
, due to many Kurds accusing the Iraqi Army of genocide. The 2021 Army Day celebrations honored the Army's 100th anniversary.
Israel
Yom HaZikaron
Yom HaZikaron (), in full, ''Yom HaZikaron LeHalelei Ma'arkhot Yisrael ul'Nifge'ei Pe'ulot HaEivah'' (), is Israel's official day of remembrance for fallen Israeli soldiers and terrorism victims, enacted into Israeli law in 1963. While Yom H ...
(English: ''Memorial Day'') is observed on the 4th day of the month of
Iyar
Iyar (Hebrew language, Hebrew: or , Hebrew language#Modern Hebrew, Standard ''ʾĪyyar'' Tiberian vocalization, Tiberian ''ʾĪyyār''; from "Rosette (design), rosette; blossom") is the eighth month of the civil year (which starts on 1 Tishrei ...
of the
Hebrew calendar
The Hebrew calendar (), also called the Jewish calendar, is a lunisolar calendar used today for Jewish religious observance and as an official calendar of Israel. It determines the dates of Jewish holidays and other rituals, such as '' yahrze ...
or May in the
Gregorian Calendar
The Gregorian calendar is the calendar used in most parts of the world. It went into effect in October 1582 following the papal bull issued by Pope Gregory XIII, which introduced it as a modification of, and replacement for, the Julian cale ...
, always preceding the next day's celebrations of Israel
Independence Day
An independence day is an annual event memorialization, commemorating the anniversary of a nation's independence or Sovereign state, statehood, usually after ceasing to be a group or part of another nation or state, or after the end of a milit ...
, Yom Ha-Atzma'ut, on the 5th day of Iyar, the anniversary of the Proclamation of the State of Israel in 1948.
Japan
In Japan, following the end of World War II, the
Self-Defense Forces Day (Japanese: 自衛隊記念日;
Romaji
The romanization of Japanese is the use of Latin script to write the Japanese language. This method of writing is sometimes referred to in Japanese as .
Japanese is normally written in a combination of logogram, logographic characters borrowe ...
: ''Jiei-tai Kinen'bi'') is held every year since 1966. It celebrates the foundation of the Japan Self-Defense Forces. The
GSDF,
MSDF and
ASDF hold annual reviews in rotation (the GSDF a full military parade, the ASDF an airshow and the MSDF a fleet review) set in a designated day in October.
There is also a three-day music event called the
SDF Marching Festival. The date varies per year.
Empire of Japan
In the
Empire of Japan
The Empire of Japan, also known as the Japanese Empire or Imperial Japan, was the Japanese nation state that existed from the Meiji Restoration on January 3, 1868, until the Constitution of Japan took effect on May 3, 1947. From Japan–Kor ...
, Army Commemoration Day (Japanese: 陸軍記念日; Romaji: ''Riku-gun Kinen'bi'') was celebrated every 10 March, in commemoration of the Japanese victory in the
Battle of Mukden
The , one of the largest land battles to be fought before World War I and the last and the most decisive major land battle of the Russo-Japanese War, was fought from 20 February to 10 March 1905 between Japan and Russia near Mukden ...
. Similarly,
Navy Commemoration Day (Japanese: 海軍記念日; Romaji: ''Kai-gun Kinen'bi'') was celebrated every 24 May in commemoration of the Japanese victory in the
Battle of Tsushima
The Battle of Tsushima (, ''Tsusimskoye srazheniye''), also known in Japan as the , was the final naval battle of the Russo-Japanese War, fought on 27–28 May 1905 in the Tsushima Strait. A devastating defeat for the Imperial Russian Navy, the ...
. These days were celebrated from 1906 until the end of World War II in 1945.
Kazakhstan
The Defender of the Fatherland Day of Kazakhstan is observed on 7 May to mark the founding of the
Armed Forces of Kazakhstan
The Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan (, , ) are the unified armed forces of Kazakhstan. They consist of three branches ( Ground Forces, Air Defense Forces, Naval Forces) as well as four independent formations ( Air Assault Forces, Spec ...
on 7 May 1992 after the fall of the USSR.
Laos
The Anniversary of The Lao Army was observed annually every 20 January by the
Lao People's Armed Forces
The Lao People's Armed Forces (LPAF; ) or the Lao People's Army (LPA) is the armed forces of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the institution of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, who are charged with protecting the country.
Activ ...
to celebrate the creation of the independent Lao army on 20 January 1949. Every year, large posters are placed to remind that date which was marks the first step towards full independence and domination of the
Lao People's Revolutionary Party
The Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) is the founding and One-party state, sole ruling party of the Laos, Lao People's Democratic Republic. The party's monopoly on state power is guaranteed by Article 3 of the Constitution of Laos, and it ...
. A military parade is held in the early morning in the capital of
Vientiane
Vientiane (, ) is the capital city, capital and largest city of Laos. Situated on the banks of the Mekong, Mekong River at the Thailand, Thai border, it comprises the five urban districts of Vientiane Prefecture and had a population of 840,000 ...
. In the
Kingdom of Laos
The Kingdom of Laos was the form of government in Laos from 1947 to 1975. Located in Southeast Asia at the heart of the Indochinese Peninsula, it was bordered by Burma and China to the northwest, North Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the sou ...
, 1 July was the anniversary of the
Royal Lao Army
The Royal Lao Army (; – ARL), also designated by its anglicized title RLA, was the land component of the Royal Lao Armed Forces (FAR), the official military of the Kingdom of Laos during the North Vietnamese invasion of Laos and the Laotian C ...
.
Lebanon
Lebanese Armed Forces
The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF; ), also known as the Lebanese Army (), is the national military of the Republic of Lebanon. It consists of three branches, the ground forces, the air force, and the navy. The motto of the Lebanese Armed Forces is ...
Day is celebrated on 1 August.
Malaysia
Hari Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (English: ''
Malaysian Armed Forces
The Malaysian Armed Forces (: MAF; ; Jawi alphabet, Jawi: ), are the armed forces of Malaysia, consists of three branches; the Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy and the Royal Malaysian Air Force. The number of MAF active personnel is 113,000 ...
Day'') is celebrated on 16 September,
Malaysia Day
Malaysia Day (; Jawi: ) is a public holiday held on 16 September every year nationally since 2010 to commemorate the establishment of the Malaysian federation on that date in 1963. This event saw Malaya (already a sovereign state since 1957 ...
. This double holiday, which marks the formation of
Malaysia
Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia. Featuring the Tanjung Piai, southernmost point of continental Eurasia, it is a federation, federal constitutional monarchy consisting of States and federal territories of Malaysia, 13 states and thre ...
in 1963, is also marked in the Malaysian Armed Forces as the anniversary of the formal raising of the first companies of the
Royal Malay Regiment
The Royal Malay Regiment (; Jawi: ) is the premier unit of the Malaysian Army's two infantry regiments. At its largest, the Malay Regiment comprised 27 battalions. At present, three battalions are parachute trained and form part of the Malaysia ...
in 1933, from which would grow the basis of the modern day Armed Forces. To avoid conflict with Malaysia Day festivities, celebrations are marked on the Tuesday after Malaysia Day, which also conclude a two-month long celebration period of the anniversary of Malaysian nationhood.
Maldives
Maldives Armed Forces Day ''('') is celebrated by the
Maldives National Defence Force
Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF; ) is the military, national military responsible for defending the national security, security and sovereignty of the Maldives. It is primarily responsible per the Constitution of the Maldives, constitut ...
every year on 21 April to commemorate the establishment of a Security Force under the
Sultan of the Maldives
Maldives was turned into a Sultanate in 1153 when the Buddhist King Dhovemi converted to Islam. Prior to that the Maldives was a Buddhist Kingdom, a Hindu Kingdom and before that a matriarchal society with each atoll ruled by a chief queen ...
on 21 April 1892.
Mongolia
Soldier's Day () is celebrated on 18 March annually. On 18 March 1921, Sükhbaatar's troops succeeded in taking the town, despite being heavily outnumbered. This day is now the official holiday of Mongolia's army, and is usually celebrated as the equivalent of Defender of the Fatherland Day in Russia, or the male version of International Women's Day.
Myanmar
In
Myanmar
Myanmar, officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar; and also referred to as Burma (the official English name until 1989), is a country in northwest Southeast Asia. It is the largest country by area in Mainland Southeast Asia and has ...
,
Armed Forces Day
An Armed Forces Day, alongside its Military branch, branch-specific variants often referred to as Army or Soldier's Day, Navy or Sailor's Day, and Air Force or Aviator's Day, is a holiday dedicated to honoring the Military, armed forces, o ...
() is celebrated on 27 March in commemoration of the start of
Burmese army
The Myanmar Army (; ) is the largest branch of the Tatmadaw, the armed forces of Myanmar, and has the primary responsibility of conducting land-based military operations. The Myanmar Army maintains the second largest active force in Southea ...
's resistance to Japanese occupation in 1945. Originally, it was known as Resistance Day ().
North Korea
In
North Korea
North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), is a country in East Asia. It constitutes the northern half of the Korea, Korean Peninsula and borders China and Russia to the north at the Yalu River, Yalu (Amnok) an ...
, the
Military Foundation Day
Military Foundation Day () is an annual public holiday in North Korea falling on 8 February.
Background
North Korean historiography has two competing dates for the founding of the modern Korean People's Army (KPA): 25 April 1932 and 8 Februa ...
is celebrated on 8 February, in commemoration of the day of the creation of the modern
Korean People's Army
The Korean People's Army (KPA; ) encompasses the combined military forces of North Korea and the armed wing of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). The KPA consists of five branches: the Korean People's Army Ground Force, Ground Force, the Ko ...
(KPA)
in 1948. On that holiday North Korea holds a national commemorative assembly in Pyongyang and various commemorative events, firepower demonstrations, concerts and the biannual military parade. Since 23 April 1996 when the issued an ordinance making it a national holiday, both the entire military and civilians are permitted to take off from work to celebrate all those serving in the KPA and its veterans.
Additionally, since 2015, the KPA and its veterans are honored on ''People's Revolutionary Army Day'', held every 25 April, to commemorate the official formation of the predecessor forces of the Army, the Revolutionary Army, in the spring of 1932.
Pakistan
In Pakistan, the Federal
Army
An army, ground force or land force is an armed force that fights primarily on land. In the broadest sense, it is the land-based military branch, service branch or armed service of a nation or country. It may also include aviation assets by ...
,
Navy
A navy, naval force, military maritime fleet, war navy, or maritime force is the military branch, branch of a nation's armed forces principally designated for naval warfare, naval and amphibious warfare; namely, lake-borne, riverine, littoral z ...
and
Air Force
An air force in the broadest sense is the national military branch that primarily conducts aerial warfare. More specifically, it is the branch of a nation's armed services that is responsible for aerial warfare as distinct from an army aviati ...
celebrate
Defence Day
Defence Day ( ALA-LC: ) is celebrated in Pakistan as a national day to commemorate the sacrifices made by Pakistani soldiers in defending its borders.Taha SiddiquiDear Pakistanis, this Defence Day, please stop celebrating hate Al Jazeera, 6 ...
(6 September), the
Navy Day
Several nations observe or have observed a Navy Day to recognize their navy.
By country
Argentina
The Argentine Navy day is celebrated on May 17, anniversary of the victory achieved in 1814 against the Spanish fleet in the action of 14 ...
/
Victory Day
Victory Day is a commonly used name for public holidays in various countries, where it commemorates a nation's triumph over a hostile force in a war or the liberation of a country from hostile occupation. In many cases, multiple countries may ob ...
(8 September) and the
Air Force Day
Air Force Day or Day of the Air Force is observed by several nations with an armed forces as a military holiday to recognize their country's air force. These holidays often hold the same status as any military's Armed Forces Day.
By country A ...
(7 September) respectively. Usually the ceremony takes place on the ''Resolution'' or
Pakistan Day
Pakistan Day (, lit. ''Yaum-e-Pakistan'') is a national holiday in Pakistan primarily commemorating the adoption of the first Constitution of Pakistan during the transition of the Dominion of Pakistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 23 ...
(23 March) when all three services display their full colours and guards of honour, as well as on Independence Day (14 August).
Philippines
Armed Forces Day (Filipino: ''Araw ng Hukbong Sandatahang Lakas'', Spanish: ''Dia de las Fuerzas Armadas de Filipinas'') is observed on 21 December, the anniversary of the official founding of the
Armed Forces of the Philippines
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) () are the military forces of the Philippines. It consists of three main service branches; the Philippine Army, Army, the Philippine Air Force, Air Force, and the Philippine Navy, Navy (including the P ...
in 1935 in accordance with CA No. 1 (
National Defense Act of 1935
{{Infobox legislation
, long_title = An Act to provide National Defense of the Philippines, penalizing certain violations thereof, appropriating funds therefor, and for other purposes
, citation Commonwealth Act No. 1, territorial_extent = Philip ...
).
Taiwan / Republic of China (ROC)
The Armed Forces Day ( zh, 軍人節) is celebrated in the Republic of China on the island of
Taiwan
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), is a country in East Asia. The main geography of Taiwan, island of Taiwan, also known as ''Formosa'', lies between the East China Sea, East and South China Seas in the northwestern Pacific Ocea ...
on 3 September, on the same day as their
Victory over Japan Day
Victory over Japan Day (also known as V-J Day, Victory in the Pacific Day, or V-P Day) is the day on which Surrender of Japan, Imperial Japan surrendered in World War II, in effect bringing the war End of World War II in Asia, to an end. The ...
(1945). Pursuant to Article 5 of the
''Order to Implement Commemoration Days and Holidays'' (紀念日及節日實施辦法), the
Ministry of National Defense
A ministry of defence or defense (see spelling differences), also known as a department of defence or defense, is the part of a government responsible for matters of defence and military forces, found in states where the government is divide ...
(國防部) determines how to allow a day off for the
military personnel
Military personnel or military service members are members of the state's armed forces. Their roles, pay, and obligations differ according to their military branch (army, navy, marines, coast guard, air force, and space force), rank ( office ...
. This is not a
public holiday in the Republic of China, but relevant institutions, groups, and schools may hold celebrating activities.
Tajikistan
Рӯзи Артиши Миллӣ Тоҷик (English: ''Tajik National Army Day'') is celebrated on 23 February to commemorate the formation of the
Armed Forces of Tajikistan
The Armed Forces of the Republic of Tajikistan (; ), also known as the Tajik National Army (; ) is the national military of the Republic of Tajikistan. It consists of Ground Forces, Mobile Forces, and the Air Force, with closely affiliated for ...
in 1993. The main celebrations are held in
Dushanbe
Dushanbe is the Capital city, capital and largest city of Tajikistan. , Dushanbe had a population of 1,564,700, with this population being largely Tajiks, Tajik. Until 1929, the city was known in Russian as Dyushambe, and from 1929 to 1961 as St ...
, with the
President of Tajikistan
The president of Tajikistan is the head of state of the Republic of Tajikistan. The president heads the executive branch of the country's government and is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Tajikistan.
History of the presidency ...
, in his/her capacity as Supreme Commander in Chief, takes the salute at a wreath laying ceremony in
Victory Park. Military parades have been held on Armed Forces Day on jubilee years (2003 and 2013 for example).
The following service branches also have their own professional holidays:
* 6 February –
Tajik Internal Troops
The Tajik Internal Troops () are the internal security force of Tajikistan, under the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Tajikistan), Interior Ministry (VKD). They act as the primary reserve force of the Tajik Armed Forces, and are in charge of homela ...
*
28 May
Events Pre-1600
*585 BC – A solar eclipse occurs, as predicted by the Greek philosopher and scientist Thales, while Alyattes is battling Cyaxares in the Battle of the Eclipse, leading to a truce. This is one of the cardinal dates from wh ...
–
Tajik Border Troops
The Border Troops (), also called the Border Service, is the border guard of Tajikistan. Functioning under the State Committee for National Security as part of the Armed Forces, the border guards are trained by the Organization for Security and ...
*
4 August
Events Pre-1600
* 598 – Goguryeo-Sui War: In response to a Goguryeo (Korean) incursion into Liaoxi, Emperor Wéndi of Sui orders his youngest son, Yang Liang (assisted by the co-prime minister Gao Jiong), to conquer Goguryeo during t ...
–
Tajik Mobile Forces
The Mobile Forces () are the paratroopers of the armed forces of Tajikistan. They are similar to the Russian Airborne Troops, whom they often train with. The Mobile Forces act as an elite special forces unit, subservient to the Defense Ministry ...
* 2 October –
Presidential National Guard
The National Guard (; ), formerly called the Brigade of Special Mission and Presidential Guard, is the National Guard service branch of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Tajikistan, under direct command of the President of Tajikistan. Their pri ...
Thailand
Thailand honours the
Royal Thai Armed Forces
The Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF; ; ) are the armed forces of the Kingdom of Thailand.
The Highest Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces (จอมทัพไทย; ) is the King of Thailand. The armed forces are managed by the Minist ...
on 18 January, Royal Thai Armed Forces Day. The RTAF honors on that day the anniversary of the victory won by the King
Naresuan
Naresuan (1555/1556 – 25 April 1605), commonly known as Naresuan the Great, or Sanphet II was the 18th Monarchy of Thailand, king of the Ayutthaya Kingdom and 2nd monarch of the List of monarchs of Thailand#Sukhothai dynasty (1569–1629), S ...
in the legendary
elephant duel
Elephant duels were a historical martial practice where opposing army leaders engaged each other on the battlefield in single combat on the back of war elephants. They are documented in historical records from Southeast Asia, mainly in present-da ...
against
Mingyi Swa
, title = Viceroy of Toungoo
, image =
, caption =
, reign = 15 October 1581 –
, coronation =
, succession = Heir Apparent of Burma
, predecessor = ...
(grandson of
Bayinnaung
, title = King of Toungoo
, image = Bayinnaung.JPG
, caption = Statue of Bayinnaung in front of the National Museum of Myanmar
, reign = 30 April 1550 – 10 October 1581
, coronation = 11 January 1551 at Taungoo, ...
) in 1592 at Nong Sarai,
Suphanburi
Suphan Buri () is a town ('' thesaban mueang'') in central Thailand. It covers ''tambon'' Tha Philiang and parts of ''tambons'' Rua Yai and Tha Rahat, all within the Mueang Suphan Buri District. As of 2006 it had a population of 26,656. The tow ...
. This is honored with massive military parades in various parts of the country. The main celebrations are in Bangkok and on behalf of the Royal Family of Thailand, the Chief of Defence Forces takes the salute on this day's parade. In 2020, King
Vajiralongkorn
Vajiralongkorn (born 28 July 1952) is King of Thailand. He is the tenth Thai monarch of the Chakri dynasty since ascending the throne in 2016 with the regnal name Rama X.
The only son of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirik ...
, as Chief of the Armed Forces, attended the Armed Forces Day parade for the very first time.
Singapore
In Singapore, Singapore Armed Forces Day falls on 1 July each year. The practice began in 1969, just several years after Singapore
separated from Malaysia to become a sovereign nation. The day is marked by a parade and a re-affirmation of the pledge of loyalty by all members of the
Singapore Armed Forces
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) are the military of the Republic of Singapore, responsible for protecting and defending the security interests and the sovereignty of the country. A component of the Ministry of Defence (Singapore), Ministry of D ...
on
parade
A parade is a procession of people, usually organized along a street, often in costume, and often accompanied by marching bands, floats, or sometimes large balloons. Parades are held for a wide range of reasons, but are usually some variety ...
in a
Trooping the Colour
Trooping the Colour is a ceremonial event performed every year on Horse Guards Parade in London, United Kingdom, by regiments of Household Division, to celebrate the King's Official Birthday, official birthday of the British sovereign, though t ...
like event. Each year, a minute of silence is observed to pay tribute to the servicemen. On that day, the outgoing colour bearer of the Singapore Army hands over the State Colour of the Army to a new colour bearer from the Army's Best Combat Unit of the year. The
President of Singapore
The president of the Republic of Singapore, is the head of state of Singapore. The president represents the country in official diplomatic functions and possesses certain executive powers over the government of Singapore, including the contro ...
gives a holiday address to the SAF and the nation. Since 1987, rededication ceremonies have been held across the country so that employers can pledge their support for SAF.
South Korea

In South Korea, 국군의 날 (English: ''Armed Forces Day'') falls on 1 October, the day that South Korean forces broke through the
38th parallel in 1950 during the
Korean War
The Korean War (25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953) was an armed conflict on the Korean Peninsula fought between North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea; DPRK) and South Korea (Republic of Korea; ROK) and their allies. North Korea was s ...
. It is not a national holiday or public day off, but a
National Flag Raising Day (국기게양일) to recognize and honor the active and reserve servicemen and women and veterans of the
Republic of Korea Armed Forces
The Republic of Korea Armed Forces (), also known as the ROK Armed Forces, are the armed forces of South Korea. The ROK Armed Forces is one of the largest and most powerful standing armed forces in the world with a reported personnel strength o ...
.
Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka each armed services celebrates its own Army Day (10 October), the Navy Day (9 December) and the Air Force Day (2 March) respectively. However all armed services celebrate Independence Day (4 February) with a military parade in which they display their full colours. Since 2010, the armed services also hold parades on
Victory and Remembrance Day (18 May), in honour of the armed forces fallen, heroes and veterans of the
Sri Lankan Civil War.
Vietnam
In Vietnam, People's Army Day is celebrated on 22 December, the day of the 1944 foundation of the
People's Army of Vietnam
The People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN), officially the Vietnam People's Army (VPA; , , ), also recognized as the Vietnamese Army (), the People's Army () or colloquially the Troops ( ), is the national Military, military force of the Vietnam, S ...
. This is not a public holiday, but relevant celebrations are held nationwide to celebrate the occasion.
South Vietnam
The Armed Forces Day of
South Vietnam
South Vietnam, officially the Republic of Vietnam (RVN; , VNCH), was a country in Southeast Asia that existed from 1955 to 1975. It first garnered Diplomatic recognition, international recognition in 1949 as the State of Vietnam within the ...
was celebrated from 1965 to 1974 on 19 June; the holiday is still celebrated internationally by former South Vietnamese military veterans.
Europe
Bulgaria
The Day of Bravery and
Bulgarian Armed Forces Day
Bulgarian Armed Forces Day (), also known as the Day of Bravery () or the Day of Bravery and Holiday of the Bulgarian Army () is a national holiday celebrated annually on May 6, commemorating the Bulgarian Armed Forces. The event is marked by mili ...
is commemorated every year on 6 May, The Feast of
Saint George
Saint George (;Geʽez: ጊዮርጊስ, , ka, გიორგი, , , died 23 April 303), also George of Lydda, was an early Christian martyr who is venerated as a saint in Christianity. According to holy tradition, he was a soldier in the ...
, who is the
patron saint
A patron saint, patroness saint, patron hallow or heavenly protector is a saint who in Catholicism, Anglicanism, Eastern Orthodoxy or Oriental Orthodoxy is regarded as the heavenly advocate of a nation, place, craft, activity, class, clan, fa ...
of the
Bulgarian Armed Forces
The Bulgarian Army (), also called Bulgarian Armed Forces, is the military of Bulgaria. The commander-in-chief is the president of Bulgaria. The Ministry of Defense is responsible for political leadership, while overall military command is in ...
. The national parade is held on
Prince Alexander of Battenberg Square
Prince Alexander I Square (), often called simply Battenberg Square (площад Батенберг) is the List of city squares by size, largest square of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. It is named after Alexander, Prince of Bulgaria, Alexan ...
in
Sofia
Sofia is the Capital city, capital and List of cities and towns in Bulgaria, largest city of Bulgaria. It is situated in the Sofia Valley at the foot of the Vitosha mountain, in the western part of the country. The city is built west of the Is ...
, the national capital city, on this day, with the salute taken by the
President of Bulgaria
The president of the Republic of Bulgaria (, romanised: ''Prezident na Republika Bŭlgariya'') is the head of state of Bulgaria and the commander-in-chief of the Bulgarian Army. The official residence of the president is at Boyana Residence, S ...
, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
Croatia
In Croatia, the commemorative dates of the Armed Forces are as follows:
Armed Forces of Croatia
The Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia () are the national Military, military forces of Croatia. The Croatian military consists of three service branches: the Croatian Army, the Croatian Navy and the Croatian Air Force. The OSRH is headed ...
():
* 28 May – Croatian Armed Forces Day (), marking the day of the first-ever public parade of the military forces on 28 May 1991 on
Stadion Kranjčevićeva
Stadion u Kranjčevićevoj ulici (''Silvije Strahimir Kranjčević, Kranjčević Street Stadium''), also known as Stadion Concordije between 1921 and 1945, is a multi-purpose stadium located in Trešnjevka neighbourhood, in the Croatian capital ...
,
Zagreb
Zagreb ( ) is the capital (political), capital and List of cities and towns in Croatia#List of cities and towns, largest city of Croatia. It is in the Northern Croatia, north of the country, along the Sava river, at the southern slopes of the ...
.
Croatian Army
The Croatian Army ( or HKoV) is the land force branch of the Croatian Armed Forces. It is numerically the largest of the three branches of the Croatian Armed Forces. The HKoV is the main force for the defense of the country against external threa ...
();
* 28 May – Croatian Army Day ().
Croatian Navy
The Croatian Navy (HRM; ) is the naval force branch of the Croatian Armed Forces. It was formed in 1991 from what Croatian forces managed to capture from the Yugoslav Navy during the breakup of Yugoslavia and Croatian War of Independence. In ad ...
();
* 18 September – Croatian Navy Day ();
Croatian Air Force and Defense ().
* 12 December – Croatian Air Force Day ().
The entire Croatian Armed Forces are also honored on 5 August,
Victory and Homeland Defenders Day and Day of the Defenders of Croatia, celebrating the anniversary of the 1995
Operation Storm
Operation Storm ( sh-Latn-Cyrl, Operacija Oluja, separator=" / ", Операција Олуја) was the last major battle of the Croatian War of Independence and a major factor in the outcome of the Bosnian War. It was a decisive victory f ...
.
Finland
In Finland, Day of the
Defence Forces () is celebrated on 4 June, which is the birthday of
C. G. E. Mannerheim, the
Marshal of Finland
In the Finnish Defence Forces, Field Marshal (, ) is officially not an active military rank but an honorary rank that can be bestowed upon 'especially distinguished General officer, generals'. So far the only holder of this title has been Baro ...
. During 1919–1939 it was called the Day of the War People's flag fest () and was celebrated on 16th as the Victory Day of the Troops of the Republic of Finland, i. e. the
Whites
White is a racial classification of people generally used for those of predominantly European ancestry. It is also a skin color specifier, although the definition can vary depending on context, nationality, ethnicity and point of view.
De ...
over the
Reds
Reds may refer to:
General
* Red (political adjective), supporters of Communism or socialism
* ''Reds'' (film), a 1981 American film starring and directed by Warren Beatty
* Reds (January Uprising), a faction of the Polish insurrectionists duri ...
in the
Civil War
A civil war is a war between organized groups within the same Sovereign state, state (or country). The aim of one side may be to take control of the country or a region, to achieve independence for a region, or to change government policies.J ...
1918. After
the Winter War there were no need to maintain the dichotomy of Finnish society and the celebrations of 16 May were ended. During Mannerheim's 75th birthday the Finnish Government declared that from then on 4 June would officially celebrated as the Birthday of Marshal of Finland (). Even though the official name of the day changed soon after it is still known, also in official context, as "The Birthday of Marshal of Finland".
France
During
France's national day, France honors
its armed forces during the
military parade of 14 July, which is the oldest and largest military parade in Europe.
Greece
Greece marks its Armed Forces Day () on 21 November, on the day of the
Presentation of Mary
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, known in the East as The Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple, is a liturgical feast celebrated on November 21 by the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and some Anglo-Catholic Churches.
The fea ...
.
Hungary
In Hungary, the Patriots and Homeland Defenders Day is celebrated on 21 May, honoring all those serving in the
Hungarian Defence Force
The Hungarian Defence Forces (, ) is the national armed forces, defence force of Hungary. Since 2007, the Hungarian Armed Forces has been under a unified command structure. The Ministry of Defence maintains political and civil control over the ar ...
.
Italy
Giorno delle Forze Armate (English: ''Armed Forces Day'') is celebrated on 4 November to remember the Italian victory in the First World War. On 4 November 1918, Austrian-Hungarian forces agreed to a cease fire, thus ending the war on Italian front.
The following service holidays are celebrated all over the
Italian Armed Forces
The Italian Armed Forces (, ) encompass the Italian Army, the Italian Navy and the Italian Air Force. A fourth Military branch, branch of the armed forces, known as the Carabinieri, take on the role as the nation's Gendarmerie, military police an ...
:
* Army Day: 4 May (
Italian Army
The Italian Army ( []) is the Army, land force branch of the Italian Armed Forces. The army's history dates back to the Italian unification in the 1850s and 1860s. The army fought in colonial engagements in China and Italo-Turkish War, Libya. It ...
)
*
Navy Day
Several nations observe or have observed a Navy Day to recognize their navy.
By country
Argentina
The Argentine Navy day is celebrated on May 17, anniversary of the victory achieved in 1814 against the Spanish fleet in the action of 14 ...
: 10 June (
Italian Navy
The Italian Navy (; abbreviated as MM) is one of the four branches of Italian Armed Forces and was formed in 1946 from what remained of the ''Regia Marina'' (Royal Navy) after World War II. , the Italian Navy had a strength of 30,923 active per ...
)
* Air Force Day: 28 March (
Italian Air Force
The Italian Air Force (; AM, ) is the air force of the Italy, Italian Republic. The Italian Air Force was founded as an independent service arm on 28 March 1923 by Victor Emmanuel III of Italy, King Victor Emmanuel III as the ("Royal Air Force ...
)
*
Carabinieri
The Carabinieri (, also , ; formally ''Arma dei Carabinieri'', "Arm of Carabineers"; previously ''Corpo dei Carabinieri Reali'', "Royal Carabineers Corps") are the national gendarmerie of Italy who primarily carry out domestic and foreign poli ...
Days: 5 June and 13 July
Latvia
The
Latvian National Armed Forces
The Latvian National Armed Forces (), or NBS, are the armed forces of Latvia. Latvia's defense concept is based on a mobile, professional rapid response force and a reserve segment that can be called upon relatively fast for mobilization should t ...
Day is marked every 10 July, the day when in 1919 Latvia's Independent and North Latvian brigades where united in one formation under the command of General
Dāvids Sīmansons
Dāvids Sīmansons (4 April 1859 – 13 January 1933) was the first commander-in-chief of the Latvian National Armed Forces, Latvian Army. He was also a general of the Latvian Land Forces, Latvian Army, major general of the Imperial Russian Army ...
. Similar celebrations occur on
Lāčplēsis Day
Lāčplēsis Day () is a memorial day for soldiers who fought for the independence of Latvia. It is celebrated on 11 November, November 11th, marking the decisive victory by the Latvian National Armed Forces, Latvian Army over the joint Russian-G ...
.
Lithuania
Lithuanian Armed Forces
The Lithuanian Armed Forces () are the military of Lithuania. The Lithuanian Armed Forces consist of the Lithuanian Land Forces, the Lithuanian Navy, the Lithuanian Air Force and the Lithuanian Special Operations Force. In wartime, the Li ...
Day () is celebrated on 23 November. It honors the issuing of the first laws regarding the army on 23 November 1918 at the height of the
Lithuanian–Soviet War
The Lithuanian–Soviet War or Lithuanian–Bolshevik War () was fought between newly independent Lithuania and the Russian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic in the aftermath of World War I. It was part of the larger Soviet westward offensiv ...
. The holiday is traditionally celebrated with the noon
military parade
A military parade is a formation of military personnels whose movement is restricted by close-order manoeuvering known as Drill team, drilling or marching. Large military parades are today held on major holidays and military events around the ...
on
Cathedral Square in
Vilnius
Vilnius ( , ) is the capital of and List of cities in Lithuania#Cities, largest city in Lithuania and the List of cities in the Baltic states by population, most-populous city in the Baltic states. The city's estimated January 2025 population w ...
, which runs through
Gediminas Avenue
Gediminas Avenue () is the main street of Vilnius, where most of the governmental institutions of Lithuania are concentrated, including the government, parliament, Constitutional Court and ministries. It is also the location of cultural institu ...
to Independence Square after being reviewed by the
President of Lithuania
The president of the Republic of Lithuania () is the head of state of the Republic of Lithuania. The president directs and appoints the executive branch of the Government of Lithuania, represents the nation internationally and is the commande ...
.
NATO
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO ; , OTAN), also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental organization, intergovernmental Transnationalism, transnational military alliance of 32 Member states of NATO, member s ...
, alongside Lithuanian troops take part in the parade, with contingents coming from
United States
The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
,
Latvia
Latvia, officially the Republic of Latvia, is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is one of the three Baltic states, along with Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south. It borders Russia to the east and Belarus to t ...
,
Canada
Canada is a country in North America. Its Provinces and territories of Canada, ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, making it the world's List of coun ...
,
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the List of European countries by area, second-largest country in Europe after Russia, which Russia–Ukraine border, borders it to the east and northeast. Ukraine also borders Belarus to the nor ...
,
Germany
Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central Europe. It lies between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea to the north and the Alps to the south. Its sixteen States of Germany, constituent states have a total popu ...
and the
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Northwestern Europe, off the coast of European mainland, the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...
.
Moldova
On 3 September, the
Moldovan National Army
The Moldovan National Army () is the senior branch of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova composed of the Moldovan Air Force, Air Force and the Moldovan Ground Forces, Land Forces. The National Army is considered to be the regular duty mil ...
marks the ''Ziua Armatei Naționale'' (Day of the National Army), with the Ministry of Defense organizing large demonstrations on the occasion of holiday. Military and civilian staff lay flowers at the
Stephen the Great Monument
The Stephen the Great Monument () is a prominent monument in Chișinău, Moldova.
Description
The monument to Stephen the Great was designed by architect Alexandru Plămădeală in 1923. It was erected near the main entrance of the Ștefan ce ...
and there is also a ceremony of the decoration of National Army distinctions. On 2 March, the entire
Armed Forces of Moldova celebrates Remembrance Day, which honours the veterans of the
Transnistria War
The Transnistria War (; ) was an armed conflict that broke out on 2 November 1990 in Dubăsari between pro-Transnistria (Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, PMR) forces, including the Transnistrian Republican Guard, militia and neo-Cossack unit ...
, with events being organized from 1–4 March. Participants in years past have also organized the Memory March, walking from
Great National Assembly Square
Great may refer to:
Descriptions or measurements
* Great, a relative measurement in physical space, see Size
* Greatness, being divine, majestic, superior, majestic, or transcendent
People
* List of people known as "the Great"
* Artel Great (bo ...
to the Maica Indurerata (Grieving Mother) at the
Eternity Memorial Complex.
Montenegro
The Day of the
Armed Forces of Montenegro
The Armed Forces of Montenegro () are the military forces of Montenegro. The Armed Forces consists of an Montenegrin Ground Army, army, Montenegrin Navy, navy and Montenegrin Air Force, air force.
The military currently maintains a force of 2, ...
is celebrated on 7 October. This day celebrates the victory over the vastly superior
Byzantine army
The Byzantine army was the primary military body of the Byzantine Empire, Byzantine armed forces, serving alongside the Byzantine navy. A direct continuation of the East Roman army, Eastern Roman army, shaping and developing itself on the legac ...
at the hands of
Stefan Vojislav
Stefan Vojislav ( sr-Cyrl, Стефан Војислав, ; 1034–d. 1043) was the Prince of Duklja from 1018 to 1043. Beginning in the year 1018, he served as a Byzantine governor, until 1034 when he led an unsuccessful revolt that landed him i ...
, the lord of
Duklja
Duklja ( sr-Cyrl, Дукља; ; ) was a medieval South Slavs, South Slavic state which roughly encompassed the territories of modern-day southeastern Montenegro, from the Bay of Kotor in the west to the Bojana river in the east, and to the sou ...
in a
battle
A battle is an occurrence of combat in warfare between opposing military units of any number or size. A war usually consists of multiple battles. In general, a battle is a military engagement that is well defined in duration, area, and force co ...
at Tuđemili near
Bar
Bar or BAR may refer to:
Food and drink
* Bar (establishment), selling alcoholic beverages
* Candy bar
** Chocolate bar
* Protein bar
Science and technology
* Bar (river morphology), a deposit of sediment
* Bar (tropical cyclone), a laye ...
in 1042. During this battle, the 40,000 strong Byzantine army was destroyed by the Dukljan Army, killing 7 Byzantine
''Strategoi''. This battle reaffirmed Dukljan independence and freedom from Byzantine imperial rule over the lands of Montenegro.
North Macedonia
The Day of
Macedonian Army is celebrated on 18 August. This date is chosen because on 18 August 1943, the battalion ''Mirče Acev'' was formed at the Slavej Mountain. It was the first organized battalion to fight against the Axis forces in
World War II
World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...
in
North Macedonia
North Macedonia, officially the Republic of North Macedonia, is a landlocked country in Southeast Europe. It shares land borders with Greece to the south, Albania to the west, Bulgaria to the east, Kosovo to the northwest and Serbia to the n ...
. The day is not a national holiday, but is celebrated with a manifestation at one of the Army's barracks, where the
President
President most commonly refers to:
*President (corporate title)
* President (education), a leader of a college or university
*President (government title)
President may also refer to:
Arts and entertainment Film and television
*'' Præsident ...
, the
Speaker of the Assembly
Speaker most commonly refers to:
* Speaker, a person who produces speech
* Loudspeaker, a device that produces sound
** Computer speakers
Speaker, Speakers, or The Speaker may also refer to:
Arts and entertainment
* "Speaker" (song), by David ...
, the
Prime Minister
A prime minister or chief of cabinet is the head of the cabinet and the leader of the ministers in the executive branch of government, often in a parliamentary or semi-presidential system. A prime minister is not the head of state, but r ...
and the
Minister of Defense
A ministry of defence or defense (see spelling differences), also known as a department of defence or defense, is the part of a government responsible for matters of defence and military forces, found in states where the government is divid ...
are always present. Usually there is a parade of the armed forces and an exhibition of the weapons and vehicles of the Army.
Poland
In Poland, the Święto Wojska Polskiego (English: ''Polish Armed Forces Day'') is celebrated annually on 15 August. Begun in 1923, the day commemorated the anniversary of Poland's 1920 victory over
Soviet Russia
The Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (Russian SFSR or RSFSR), previously known as the Russian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic and the Russian Soviet Republic, and unofficially as Soviet Russia,Declaration of Rights of the labo ...
at the
Battle of Warsaw in the
Polish-Soviet War.
The holiday was discontinued during the
communist era
A communist era is a sustained period of national government by a single party following the philosophy of Marxism–Leninism. Many countries have experienced such a period of communist rule.
Current communist states China
The Chinese Communist ...
in 1947 and replaced with 12 October, the anniversary of the 1943
Battle of Lenino
The Battle of Lenino was a tactical World War II engagement that took place on 12 and 13 October 1943, north of the village of Lenino, Mahilyow Voblast, Lenino in the Mogilev region of Byelorussian SSR, Byelorussia. The battle itself was a part ...
, but it was revived again after the overthrow of communism in 1992.
Romania
In Romania, the Armed Forces Day () is celebrated on 25 October. On this day, in 1944, the
Romanian Land Forces
The Romanian Land Forces () is the army of Romania, and the main component of the Romanian Armed Forces. Since 2007, full professionalization and a major equipment overhaul have transformed the nature of the Land Forces.
The Romanian Land Force ...
retook
Carei
Carei (; , ; /, , ) is a municipiu, city in Satu Mare County, northwestern Romania, near the border with Hungary. The city administers one village, Ianculești ().
Geography
The municipality of Carei is situated in the north-west of Romania, aw ...
, the last Romanian city under joint German–Hungarian occupation.
The Romania–Hungary border had been reached a few days earlier, but the troops rested, and then completed the liberation of
Northern Transylvania
Northern Transylvania (, ) was the region of the Kingdom of Romania that during World War II, as a consequence of the August 1940 territorial agreement known as the Second Vienna Award, became part of the Kingdom of Hungary (1920-1946), Kingdom ...
during the
Battle of Carei
The Battle of Carei was the last stage of recovering Romania's former territory of Northern Transylvania, ceded in 1940 to Hungary as a result of the Second Vienna Award. The battle occurred towards the end of World War II, in the wider contex ...
, in order to coincide with
King Michael’s birthday on 25 October.
Russian Federation
In Russia, the День защитника Отечества / Dyen' zaschitnika Otechestva (English: ''
Defender of the Fatherland Day
Defender of the Fatherland Day ( ''Den' zashchitnika Otechestva''; ; ; ; ) is a holiday observed in Russia, Turkmenistan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. It is celebrated on 23 February, except in Kazakhstan, where it is celebra ...
'') is celebrated on 23 February, honoring all those serving in the
Russian Armed Forces
The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, commonly referred to as the Russian Armed Forces, are the military of Russia. They are organized into three service branches—the Russian Ground Forces, Ground Forces, Russian Navy, Navy, and Russi ...
. In the
Soviet Union
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. (USSR), commonly known as the Soviet Union, was a List of former transcontinental countries#Since 1700, transcontinental country that spanned much of Eurasia from 1922 until Dissolution of the Soviet ...
there was День Советской Армии / Dyen' Sovetskoy Armii (''Day of the Soviet Army''), celebrated on the same date. It is the very day of the anniversary since the formation of the modern armed forces of the Soviet Union in 1918, the traditions of which are continued by the current Russian Armed Forces, in conjunction with the heritage of its Imperial past.
In Russia the following holidays are celebrated by military personnel, veterans and the general public:
*
Russian Special Operations Forces Day
Russian(s) may refer to:
*Russians (), an ethnic group of the East Slavic peoples, primarily living in Russia and neighboring countries
*A citizen of Russia
*Russian language, the most widely spoken of the Slavic languages
*''The Russians'', a b ...
on 27 February, commemorating the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine, 2014
*
Victory Day
Victory Day is a commonly used name for public holidays in various countries, where it commemorates a nation's triumph over a hostile force in a war or the liberation of a country from hostile occupation. In many cases, multiple countries may ob ...
on 9 May: Victory Day marks Germany's surrender to the Soviet Union in 1945
*
Navy Day
Several nations observe or have observed a Navy Day to recognize their navy.
By country
Argentina
The Argentine Navy day is celebrated on May 17, anniversary of the victory achieved in 1814 against the Spanish fleet in the action of 14 ...
on the last Sunday of July
*
Paratroopers' Day
Airborne Forces Day also known as Paratroopers' Day is a professional military holiday observed in Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, celebrated on 2 August annually. It was formerly celebrated in the Soviet Union until its collapse in 1991. It was c ...
on 2 August
*
Russian Air Force Day
Russian Air Force Day () is a professional military holiday of Russia celebrated on 12 August to honor the active and reserve personnel, as well as veterans of the Russian Aerospace Forces.
History
Air Fleet Day (), also known as the Air Forces D ...
on 12 August
*
Russian Ground Forces
The Russian Ground Forces (), also known as the Russian Army in English, are the Army, land forces of the Russian Armed Forces.
The primary responsibilities of the Russian Ground Forces are the protection of the state borders, combat on land, ...
Day on 1 October, in honor of the 1550 raising of the first
Streltsy
The streltsy (, ; , ) were the units of Russian firearm infantry from the 16th century to the early 18th century and also a social stratum, from which personnel for streltsy troops were traditionally recruited. They are also collectively kno ...
detachments
*
Russian Aerospace Defence Forces
The Russian Aerospace Defence Forces (VVKO) () was a branch of the Russian Armed Forces responsible for aerospace defence, operation of Russian military satellites and the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. It was established on 1 December 2011 and dissolved ...
Day on 4 October, the date of the 1957 launching of
Sputnik
Sputnik 1 (, , ''Satellite 1''), sometimes referred to as simply Sputnik, was the first artificial Earth satellite. It was launched into an elliptical low Earth orbit by the Soviet Union on 4 October 1957 as part of the Soviet space progra ...
*
Russian Naval Infantry
The Russian Naval Infantry (), often referred to as Russian Marines in the West, operate as the naval infantry of the Russian Navy. Established in 1705, they are capable of conducting amphibious operations as well as operating as more traditiona ...
Day on 27 November, the date of its 1705 founding
*
Strategic Missile Forces
The Strategic Rocket Forces of the Russian Federation or the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation (RVSN RF; ) is a separate combat arm of the Russian Armed Forces that controls Russia's land-based intercontinental ballistic miss ...
Day on 17 December
Serbia
Dan Vojske Srbije (''
Serbian Armed Forces
The Serbian Armed Forces () is the military of Serbia.
The President of the Republic acts as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, while administration and defence policy is carried out by the Government through the Ministry of Defence. The h ...
Day'') is marked on 23 April, the anniversary of the beginning of the 1815 Second Serbian Uprising which began the long road towards the restoration of Serbian independence after years of Ottoman occupation.
Spain
Armed Forces Day (Spanish: ''Día de las Fuerzas Armadas'') is observed in Spain since 1978. It started as a purely military celebration, but became with time a more colourful and popular event, the central acts of which are held each year at a different city. Since 1987 it is observed the Saturday nearest to 30 May, feast-day of Ferdinand III of Castile, Saint Ferdinand, King.
The Armed Forces and those killed in service are also honoured at the celebrations of Fiesta Nacional de España, Spain's National Day (12 October).
Ukraine
* Ground Forces Day for the Ukrainian Ground Forces is celebrated on 12 December.
* Navy Day for the Ukrainian Navy is celebrated on the first Sunday of July since June 2015.
[Ukrainian Navy to celebrate its holiday on first Sunday of July – decree](_blank)
Interfax-Ukraine (12 June 2015)
* Air Force Day is the first Saturday in August.
For the entire Armed Forces of Ukraine, Armed Forces Day () is celebrated on 6 December, with fireworks displays and gun salutes nationwide.
[Culture Smart! Ukraine by Anna Shevchenko, Kuperard, 2006, ] This holiday was established in 1993 by a resolution passed by the Verkhovna Rada.
Other military holidays in Ukraine include:
* 23 May – Ukrainian Naval Infantry, Marine Corps Birthday
* 8 July – Air Defence Forces Day
* 8 August – Signal Corps Day
* 7 September – Chief directorate of intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, Military Intelligence Forces Day
* 14 September – Armored Force (Ukraine), Armoured Forces Day
* 14 September – Mobilized Servicemen Day
* 14 October – Defenders Day (Ukraine), Defenders of Ukraine Day
* 29 October – Finance Officers Day
* 3 November – Rocket Forces and Artillery (Ukraine), Rocket Forces and Artillery Day
* 3 November – Corps of Engineers Day
* 21 November – Ukrainian Air Assault Forces, Air Assault Forces Day
* 23 December – Operational Servicemen Day
United Kingdom
The first Armed Forces Day in the
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Northwestern Europe, off the coast of European mainland, the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...
took place on 27 June 2009. It replaced the previous Veterans' Day UK, Veterans' Day, first observed in 2006.
The date was chosen as it marked the day after the anniversary of the first investiture ceremony for the Victoria Cross military medal for heroism, held on 26 June 1857.
The 2009 celebrations were centred on Chatham Historic Dockyard – a former Royal Navy base. The Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah Jane Brown, Sarah, and Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, Prince Richard, the Duke and his Duchess of Gloucester, attended as the official party, along with the head of the unified Armed Forces, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, and Defence Minister Kevan Jones.
The Isle of Man, a Crown Dependency, held its events a month later on 26 July 2009.
The 2010 event was centred on Cardiff and in 2011 it was Edinburgh's turn. Smaller events were held throughout the United Kingdom.
UK Armed Forces Day 2012was centred on Plymouth and took place on Saturday 30 June. Smaller events were held throughout the United Kingdom. The Isle of Man hold
its eventon Sunday 24 June.
Scarborough, North Yorkshire, Scarborough was chosen to be the host location for the 2020 UK Armed Forces Day event on Saturday 27 June. Scarborough was announced as the venue in June 2018, after submitting a bid which was described by the Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom), MoD as "outstanding".
The event was due to take place on 27 June 2020, and would have contained a large programme of events taking place on the day and in the build up to the event. The AFD became a "virtual event" after the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, COVID-19 pandemic and so Scarborough Borough Council created a website hosting military related content instead. The AFD for 2021, will be held in Scarborough in lieu of the 2020 event.
Oceania
Australia and New Zealand
ANZAC Day is a public holiday commemorated on 25 April. It is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served." The date commemorates the landings in 1915 at Anzac Cove on the coast of the Dardanelles and the Aegean Sea of the old Ottoman Empire (modern Turkey) by Australian Army, Australian and New Zealand Army, New Zealand combined military forces in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, the beginning of the costly casualties of the Gallipoli campaign in World War I.
There is also a Reserve Forces Day in Australia first celebrated in 1998 for "the 50th anniversary of the reforming of the Citizen Military Forces after World War II on 1 July 1948 and Reserve service. The date of the first of July was chosen as the official date of Reserve Forces Day with the celebrations being held on that day or the weekend before or following that date."
See also
* Red poppy
* Remembrance Sunday
* Volkstrauertag
References
External links
DefenseLINK: Armed Forces Day (U.S.)Image of young boys posing next to a railway rifle on Army Day at Fort MacArthur, San Pedro, 1930s ''Los Angeles Times'' Photographic Archive (Collection 1429). UCLA Library Special Collections, Charles E. Young Research Library, University of California, Los Angeles.
{{Authority control
Armed Forces days,
Holidays and observances by scheduling (nth weekday of the month)
Types of national holidays
United States flag flying days