Category: Military

  • FOUR CHAPLAINS DAY – February 3

    FOUR CHAPLAINS DAY

    On February 3rd each year, Four Chaplains Day honors four military chaplains from World War II who sacrificed their lives for fellow service members.

    #FourChaplainsDay

    Chaplains in the military are an integral part of the service environment. They provide counseling, spiritual guidance, conduct services, and religious rites, among other responsibilities, and serve all over the globe. If there are military personnel stationed there, chaplains are too.

    During World War II, four chaplains who had attended Chaplain School together at Harvard boarded the Dorchester en route to the Army Command Base in southern Greenland. Aboard the ship were 904 service members.

    The four chaplains were Reverend George L. Fox, a Methodist minister, Reverend Clark V. Poling of the Reformed Church of America, Rabbi Alexander D. Goode, and Father John P. Washington of the Roman Catholic Church. Their voyage began on January 23, 1943. At the time, German U-Boats were patrolling the area, and the convoy was on high alert. When a German submarine torpedoed the Dorchester on February 3, 1943, in the frigid waters off the coast of Newfoundland, chaos ensued.

    Eyewitnesses recounted the chaplains’ heroism, including giving their life jackets and gloves to other service members. They prayed with service members, assisting them into lifeboats. The four chaplains remained on the sinking Dorchester. Only 230 men were rescued from the waters.

    Congress awarded the four chaplains the Four Chaplains Medal in 1960.

    HOW TO OBSERVE FOUR CHAPLAINS DAY

    • Read about the four chaplains in books like No Greater Glory: The Four Immortal Chaplains and the Sinking of the Dorchester in World War II by Dan Kurzman or Sea of Glory by Ken Wales.
    • Watch the movie Four Chaplains: Sacrifice at Sea.
    • Visit exhibits remembering the four chaplains such as the National World War II Museum in New Orleans or Pioneer Chapel at Fort Leavenworth where a stained glass window remembers the chaplains.
    • Attend memorial services in honor of the four chaplains.

    FOUR CHAPLAINS DAY HISTORY

    In 1998, Congress unanimously established Four Chaplains Day to be observed annually on February 3rd.

  • 9 WAYS TO HONOR VETERANS

    Every year on November 11th in the United States, Americans honor the veterans who served to protect the country during times of conflict. The United States Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, Coast Guard, and Space Force. Their all-volunteer personnel is one of the largest military forces in the world. Expressing our gratitude to those who have served is a long-time tradition in the United States. Whether they’ve served during peacetime or wartime, each service member chose to serve their country and knew at any moment they may be asked to sacrifice everything, including their life, to protect the country they call home. And though Veteran’s Day is one day a year, these 9 Ways to Honor Veterans can happen all year long.

    Sometimes it may seem difficult to show our appreciation for those who are often too proud to acknowledge their own sacrifices. However, there are several, meaningful ways to honor these warriors.

    1. Fly the United States Flag

    The U.S. flag goes by many names, including the Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, Stars and Bars, Red, White and Blue, and The Star-Spangled Banner. And it’s the first of 9 ways to honor veterans. It’s a visual tribute that signifies your support. However, there are proper ways to hang the flag that shows respect to it and the Nation. The U.S. flag should always fly higher than other flags. It should be hung horizontally or vertically with the 50 stars (the union) to the upper right. For a complete guide to displaying the U.S. flag, visit aflag.com.

    2. Volunteer

    Around the country, many organizations support U.S. veterans. Volunteering for these organizations demonstrates your support of our veterans. Your ability to organize, fundraise, or provide necessary skills honors those veterans in small and big ways. Some of these organizations are run by veterans, too. Some organizations to consider supporting include:

    3. Hire a Veteran

    Our veterans are some of the best trained and educated people you will ever know. Hiring a veteran allows them the opportunity to thrive in the civilian world and to continue to support their family. A veteran may have skills in technology, security, sales, healthcare, finance, and many more areas.

    4. Offer a Discount

    Businesses around the country offer discounts on everything from a cup of coffee to services. Honoring veterans with a discount may not seem like much, but sometimes a little bit goes a long way.

    5. Support Veteran-Owned Businesses

    When you support a veteran-owned business, you are showing them the respect they’ve earned. You also support your community. Many veterans start small businesses in the community where they live. This means they are also giving back to their community by providing employment, paying taxes, and supporting local schools. When these businesses thrive, so does your community. Be sure also to sing their praises for excellent service. Whether you give them five stars on their app, write a review, invest in their business, or make a recommendation to a friend, these are some of the best ways to show your support for a veteran-owned business in addition to spending your money there.

    6. Donate

    Veteran organizations support our heroes in many ways. They support our veterans by providing shelter in times of need, offer services for wounded and disabled veterans, train service animals, and much, much more. Your donations keep these organizations going.

    7. Attend Services

    Communities across the country host Veteran’s Day events. These events may include parades, exhibits, and speeches paying tribute to their veterans. Churches and other volunteer organizations also hold annual events commemorating the day. Attending these events shows your appreciation for the veterans who have served.

    8. Be There

    Ask a veteran you know out for coffee, to go fishing, or over for dinner. Whether it is a family member, a neighbor, coworker, show them you appreciate them through your actions. When they ask you to volunteer for their organization, step up. If they need someone to talk to, be that someone. And don’t wait to be asked – they may never ask even though they may need to hear a kind word or two. Write them a letter or a card of encouragement or ask about their service. Befriend a veteran and recognize their history in the military.

    9. Honor Your Employees

    There are many ways that businesses can honor their employees. Businesses can host a luncheon, organize a community event, honor them in your newsletter or support their endeavors with veterans organizations.

    There are more than 9 Ways to Honor Veterans, but this list is a good way to start.

    There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day® with National Day Calendar®!

  • AGENT ORANGE AWARENESS DAY – August 10

    AGENT ORANGE AWARENESS DAY | AUGUST 10

    On August 10th each year, Agent Orange Awareness Day provides information regarding the effects of Agent Orange. It also serves as a reminder of the lasting damage a single decision can cause.

    #AgentOrangeAwarenessDay

    In the early 1960s, Americans used the herbicide in Vietnam to clear thick foliage from battlegrounds to eliminate the enemy’s protective ground cover.

    Those exposed to the chemical suffer a wide range of negative medical effects including:

    • AL amyloidosis
    • Diabetes Mellitus, Type II
    • Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma
    • Leukemia
    • Multiple Myeloma
    • Parkinson’s Disease
    • Prostate Cancer
    • Respiratory Cancer
    • Soft Tissue Sarcoma

    The use of Agent Orange impacted U.S. troops and the Vietnamese troops and civilians. It cost hundreds of thousands of lives and continues to impact survivors today.

    The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides a registry to help veterans and their families receive treatment. Those with suspected exposure can receive an exam free of charge from Veterans Affairs.

    HOW TO OBSERVE AGENT ORANGE AWARENESS DAY

    The observance encourages us to support those who’ve been impacted by the use of Agent Orange and to also learn from its use. There are several ways to participate in the day:

    • Learn more about the effects of Agent Orange.
    • Visit a Vietnam Memorial.
    • Attend a memorial ceremony.
    • Light a candle in honor of those who have died as a result of Agent Orange.
    • Support a military or veterans organization.

    Share your stories using #AgentOrangeAwarenessDay on social media.

    AGENT ORANGE AWARENESS DAY HISTORY

    Over 50 years ago, Agent Orange was first used in Vietnam. The date is thought to be August 10, 1961. In 1988, Agent Orange Awareness Day began as a way to reach Vietnam veterans who may have been exposed to Agent Orange. The campaign informed the country through newspaper and radio messages, encouraging veterans to seek assistance through VA programs. Since then, military and veteran organizations have continued to promote the observance.

     

  • NATIONAL KOREAN WAR VETERANS ARMISTICE DAY – July 27

    NATIONAL KOREAN WAR VETERANS ARMISTICE DAY | JULY 27

    On June 25, 1950, the first war of the Cold War-era erupted when North Korean forces crossed the border into South Korea. The war would last three years, involving troops from around the globe, and costing millions of lives. National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day commemorates the end of the Korean War on July 27, 1953, and those who served during this often forgotten war.

    #KoreanWarVeteransArmisticeDay

    Pre-War History

    Unlike World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War, and The War on Terror, the Korean War’s complexity, setting, and timing cause history to gloss over the war. For centuries, Japan and China laid claim on Korea. In more modern history, Japan annexed Korea, and following World War II, the Allied forces liberated Korea, dividing it into separate occupied zones. The dividing line was named the 38th parallel, creating a Communist North Korea and a South Korean republic.

    How It Was Different

    The United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Germany, Japan, Russia, and over 40 other countries contributed troops, supplies, and other support during the three-year war. The war claimed approximately 3 million casualties, and civilians suffered the greatest loss of the war. The forgotten war is one of the deadliest of the Cold War-era.

    Since the war started as a state conflict, the media and civilians showed less initial interest in the Korean War. There was no great mobilization at home, no massive build-up of war machinery, no shortages of gas, food, or products – no direct impact on the daily lives of Americans at home. President Harry S. Truman never issued a declaration of war. And when the veterans came home, most were silent. Many served in World War II, and some would go on to serve in the Vietnam War. After World War II, victories – multiple victories were declared. However, the Korean War ended in a stalemate.

    Regardless of the war’s status as the Forgotten War, those who served should be remembered. They endured the brutalities of war, a harsh climate and battled against Communism. During the war, 33,665 U.S. service members gave their lives in that pursuit. They are not forgotten.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL KOREAN WAR VETERANS ARMISTICE DAY

    On July 27th, military organizations and communities across the country host memorials and events dedicated to the service members of the Korean War. The day offers an excellent opportunity to learn the history of the war and about those who served.

    • Read about the Korean War. We recommend:
      • In Mortal Combat by John Toland
      • The Coldest Winter by David Halberstam
      • About Face: The Odyssey of an American Warrior by Colonel David H. Hackworth
    • Watch a documentary such as This Korea directed by John Ford.
    • Visit the Korean War Memorial.
    • Visit with a Korean War veteran.
    • Share your experiences and stories about the Korean War.
    • Show your support to all veterans.

    Join the conversation by using #KoreanWarVeteransArmisticeDay on social media.

    NATIONAL KOREAN WAR VETERANS ARMISTICE DAY

    In 1992, President George H. W. Bush and Korean War veteran Marine General Raymond Davis broke ground on the Korean War Memorial in Washington D.C. Three years later, President Bill Clinton proclaimed National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day and, along with South Korean President Kim Young-sam, dedicated the memorial to all the Korean Veterans.

     

  • NATIONAL HIRE A VETERAN DAY – July 25

    NATIONAL HIRE A VETERAN DAY | JULY 25

    Every day, hundreds of our military personnel leave the service in search of civilian employment. On July 25th, National Hire a Veteran Day reminds employers to consider veterans to fill their open positions. As highly trained, qualified individuals, they are ideal for numerous trades.

    #HireAVeteranDay

    Legislation protects separating service members as they enter the civilian workforce. However, the best way any potential employer can honor a veteran is to hire one!

    While other service members continue to serve in points unknown, the day provides their returning brothers and sisters with an opportunity. Many skills gained in the military world transfer to the civilian world. Both small and large businesses benefit from the talent of our veterans, too. Regardless of the position, find qualified candidates in a range of fields. For example:

    • Information Technology
    • Engineering
    • Cyber Security
    • Sales
    • Marketing
    • Management
    • Finance
    • Healthcare
    • Skilled Trades

    Free training for veterans can be found at https://www.uso.org/skillsoft

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL HIRE A VETERAN DAY

    “Hire for Attitude, Train for Skill” and do it with a Veteran!

    Please take a moment to honor our men and women of the Armed Forces. Offering them your time and consideration in the civilian workforce is one of the best ways to do that. Share the story, too! Use #HireAVeteranDay to share on social media.

    NATIONAL HIRE A VETERAN DAY HISTORY

    Marine Corps veteran Dan Caporale, the founder of Hire Our Heroes, also founded National Hire a Veteran Day. The day serves as a call to action to hire more veterans! By spreading awareness and creating a platform with a call to action, the day has now become the connective tissue linking corporate America to our veterans.

    For information on how to make an impact and join the national movement, please reach out to Dan Caporale directly on LinkedIn or by phone at 305-877-0053

    In 2017, Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Hire a Veteran Day to be observed on the 25th day of July annually.

     

    July 25th Celebrated History

    1871

    Willhelm Schneider obtained a U.S. patent for a two-story carousel.

    1984

    From the Russian spacecraft Salyut 7, Cosmonaut Svetlana Savisskaya performs the first spacewalk by a woman.

    2003

    The film Seabiscuit is released in U.S. theatres. Directed by Gary Ross, the film starred Tobey Maguire and Jeff Bridges, earning 7 Academy Award nominations.

    2008

    California becomes the first state to ban trans fats in restaurants.

    July 25th Celebrated History

    Anna Tuthill Symmes – 1775

    The 9th First Lady of the United States is one of many firsts. She is the only First Lady to be both the wife of a president (William Henry Harrison) and the grandmother of one (Benjamin Harrison), too. She never lived in the White House, either. Exactly one month after President Harrison’s inauguration, he died making her the first First Lady to be widowed during her tenure and the one with the shortest tenure.

    Rosalind Franklin – 1920

    The English chemist’s work contributed to the discovery of the structure of DNA.

    Ray Billingsley – 1957

    The American cartoonists created the comic strip, Curtis. The comic strip was first published in 1993.

    Louise Joy Brown – 1978

    The British woman is the first human born who was conceived through in vitro fertilization.

  • NATIONAL BORINQUENEERS DAY – April 13

    NATIONAL BORINQUENEERS DAY

    On April 13th, National Borinqueneers Day recognizes the sacrifices of the Puerto Rican Regiment of the Volunteer Infantry. Today the regiment is designated the 65th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army.

    #NationalBorinqueneersDay

    Congress first authorized a volunteer military presence in Puerto Rico the year after the island became a United States territory – 1899. Since the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico’s military personnel have served honorably, though often in limited or non-combat roles. At the end of World War II, the military demobilized the 65th Infantry. However, when the Korean War broke out, the United States reactivated the combat-ready units; that included the 65th.

    During the Korean War, the 65th adopted the nickname “The Borinqueneers.” The name honors the Taíno Indians, the original inhabitants of Puerto Rico or the island of Borinquen. Their operations during the Korean War provided substantial support. The Borinqueneers received numerous decorations, including more than 2,700 Purple Hearts, 600 Bronze Stars, 250 Silver Stars, 9 Distinguished Serve Crosses, and 1 Medal of Honor, among other commendations and awards.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL BORINQUENEERS DAY

    Celebrate the history of the 65th Infantry Regiment. Honor those who serve in the military from Puerto Rico. Support your Hispanic veterans and learn more about the first Hispanic regiment. One way to do that is by watching The Borinqueneers documentary directed by Noemí Figueroa Soulet and Raquel Ortiz. You can also share stories and photos of your Hispanic military family members. No matter how you celebrate, be sure to use #NationalBorinqueneersDay on social media.

    NATIONAL BORINQUENEERS DAY HISTORY

    In 2020, Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act, which included legislation supporting April 13th as National Borinqueneers Day. President Donald Trump vetoed the legislation, but on January 1, 2021, members of Congress overrode the presidential veto making the legislation law. The United States celebrated the first National Boriqueneers Day on April 13, 2021.

  • PURPLE UP! DAY – April 15

    PURPLE UP! DAY

    During the Month of the Military Child, Purple Up! Day on April 15th recognizes some of the military’s most unsung heroes – their children. The day encourages everyone to wear purple representing all branches of the military and showing unity with each other.

    #PurpleUpDay

    All across the country and around the world, military children play a significant role in their schools, youth organizations, and communities. When we wear purple in their honor, we let them know we support them in all branches of the military – Army, Navy, Marine, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force. Whether they are a part of the military family for a short while or their entire childhood, the military child deserves to know they have the support of their community.

    HOW TO OBSERVE PURPLE UP! DAY

    • Wear purple to show your support for military youth.
    • Schools and military installations also host events recognizing the sacrifices military children make.
    • Local businesses and organizations also hold celebrations throughout the month of April, especially when the 15th lands on a weekend.
    • Consider some of these events for your school or organization:
      • Invite your former and current military employees to share photos of their children.
      • Change your social media profile to a purple frame.
      • Recognize military children during events.
      • Feature a military child on a school, organization, or club website.
    • Invite a military parent or child to speak at your school, business, or organization.

    PURPLE UP! DAY HISTORY

    The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Military Youth and Family Program initiated the Purple Up! for Military Kids in 2011. They selected April 15th during the Month of the Military Child as a way to honor military children from all branches of the military. Purple represented the colors of each branch of the military as one. Since then, other organizations and communities spread the word, giving the celebration momentum. 

    Military Child

    Q. When is National Military Brats Day?
    A. National Military Brats Day is April 30th.

    Q. I was a military brat. Is there a way to reconnect with other military brats I used to know?
    A. Yes! Militarybrat.com hosts a registry that reconnects the children of military personnel.

  • REMEMBRANCE DAY – November 11

    REMEMBRANCE DAY

    Every year on November 11th, the UK, along with members of the British Commonwealth, observe Remembrance Day. On this day, member states honor and remember those in the armed forces who died in the line of duty.

    July 28, 1914, was the fateful day that WWI began. It started shortly after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria. During The Great War, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire fought together. Together these countries formed the Central Powers. They fought against the Allied Powers, which consisted of Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Japan, Romania, and the United States.

    Due to new military technologies and trench warfare, there were unprecedented levels of destruction. By the end of the war four years later, over 16 million people had died. These people consisted of both soldiers and civilians. Most of these soldiers died during battle or from being prisoners of war. Other soldiers died from sickness, starvation, and exposure to the elements. The heaviest loss of life occurred on July 1, 1916, during the Battle of the Somme. The British Army lost over 57,000 soldiers. Thankfully, two years later, the Great War came to an end.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #RemembranceDay

    This is a solemn day in the countries that observe it. Every year, Canadians pause in a moment of silence to remember those who have served and continue to serve in war and conflict. In Australia, people pay their respects to the soldiers that have died in battle. The country of Barbados holds a parade at National Heroes’ Square.

    Other events in Britain and the British Commonwealth’s members include wreath-laying ceremonies, moments of silence, multi-faith memorial services, and commemorative exhibitions. Many people also wear a poppy flower, which has become a symbol of remembrance.

    REMEMBRANCE DAY HISTORY

    It was on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 that an armistice agreement ended WWI. To commemorate this event, the British Commonwealth created Armistice Day. This day was celebrated on the Monday of the week in which November 11th fell. In 1931, a bill was passed to only observe Armistice Day on November 11th. Because of that same bill, the name of the observance was changed to Remembrance Day. The first Remembrance Day was held on November 11th, 1931.

     

  • DISARMAMENT WEEK – Week of October 24

    DISARMAMENT WEEK – Week of October 24

    Every year, beginning on October 24th, Disarmament Week raises awareness about the dangers of the arms race. During the week, the UN urges Member States to advance international peace and security by eliminating nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction.

    An arms race is defined as a pattern of competitive acquisition of military capability between two or more countries. The competitive nature of an arms race reflects an adversarial relationship. Since the 20th century, two major arms races have occurred. The first was between Germany and Britain prior to WWI. Germany was a rising power who sought to challenge the UK’s naval dominance. Historians believe this arms race helped to start the Great War.

    The second major arms race of the 20th century occurred between the United States and Soviet Union. This nuclear arms race is often referred to as the Cold War. This arms race is believed to be the most expensive and largest arms race in history. By 1967, the U.S. had acquired more than 31,000 warheads. Twenty years later, the Soviets had more than 40,000 warheads.

    This arms race officially ended in the 1990s. Despite this fact, these two countries still have 90% of the world’s nuclear warheads. The United States has 6,185 and the Soviet Union has 6,490. Even more concerning is that as of 2019, many believe another nuclear arms race began. This current arms race involves China, North Korea, and Iran. Experts say this arms race will lead to a more dangerous and unstable environment. The arms race could also cause unwanted conflicts and the demand for increased military spending.

    Despite this current arms race, many regions of the world are developing nuclear-weapon-free-zones. These regions include the South Pacific, Africa, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Antarctic.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #DisarmamentWeek

    During this week the United Nations primarily focuses on nuclear disarmament. They also encourage disarmament efforts in the area of land mines, small arms, and other types of conventional weapons.
    To participate in the week learn more about the importance of the disarmament of nuclear weapons. You can also watch CNN’s Cold War documentary. Spread awareness for the week on social media with #DisarmamentWeek

    DISARMAMENT WEEK HISTORY

    Disarmament Week was established in 1978. That year, The Final Document of the General Assembly’s special session called Member States to abandon the use of force in international relations and seek security in disarmament. In 1995, the UN invited the government and NGOs to take an active part in Disarmament Week. It has been the goal ever since to create a better understanding of disarmament issues for the general public. The week begins on October 24th, which is the anniversary of the United Nations, which was formed in 1945.

     

  • NATIONAL NAVAJO CODE TALKERS DAY – August 14

    NATIONAL NAVAJO CODE TALKERS DAY | AUGUST 14

    Each year on August 14th, National Navajo Code Talkers Day honors the contributions of the Native Americans who brought their unique abilities to the World War II effort. The day also highlights their impact on U.S. code and the Native American language that made it possible.

    #NavajoCodeTalkersDay

    While code talkers were instrumental during World War II, the United States military used the Native American language in their coded messages before. During World War I, the Choctaw tribe’s language was called upon to relate coded messages.

    One member integral in creating the military code was Philip Johnston. While he was not Navajo, Johnston did speak the language fluently. He also recruited the native speakers necessary to the Code Talker’s success.

    Initially, there were 29 Code Talkers, including Charlie Sosie Begay, Roy Begay, Samuel H. Begay, Eugene Crawford, Oscar Ilthma, and Lloyd Oliver, to name a few. However, that number would grow. Until 1968, the program remained classified. At that time, the United States presented the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers with Congressional Gold Medals. Additionally, the remaining Navajo Code Talkers were presented with Congressional Silver Medals.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL NAVAJO CODE TALKERS DAY

    Celebrate the Navajo language. Recognize the incredible efforts of the Navajo Code Talkers by attending online and public events. While celebrating their invaluable contributions, also discover more about their history:

    • Explore their history by reading Navajo Code Talkers by Nathan Aaseng or Unsung Heroes of World War II: The Story of the Navajo Code Talkers by Deanne Durrett.
    • Watch a documentary with interviews and backstories.
      • Navajo Code Talkers: The Epic Story directed by Allan Silliphant
      • True Whispers: The Story of the Navajo Code Talkers produced by Yvonne Russo.
    • Visit a museum with some up close and personal details. The World War II Museum in New Orleans and the Navajo Code Talker Museum in Tuba City are two great places to start.

    Don’t forget to share stories and experiences using #NavajoCodeTalkersDay on social media.

    NATIONAL NAVAJO CODE TALKERS DAY HISTORY

    In 1982, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed National Navajo Code Talkers Day to recognize all the tribes for their contributions during the war. In his address, Reagan recognized other tribal nations for their contributions to war efforts, mentioning the Choctaw, Chippewa, Creek and Sioux by name.