Armed Forces Day - wikipedia Armed Forces Day `` Dia do Soldado '' redirects here. For the 2018 film, see Sicario : Day of the Soldado. hide This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. ( Learn how and when to remove these template messages ) This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. ( January 2013 ) This article 's lead section does not adequately summarize key points of its contents. Please consider expanding the lead to provide an accessible overview of all important aspects of the article. Please discuss this issue on the article 's talk page. ( January 2013 ) Armed Forces Day in Azerbaijan. An Anzac Day National Commemoratice Service at the National War Memorial in Wellington. Tajik National Army Day. Polish President Lech Kaczyński reviewing troops during an armed forces day parade in Warsaw in 2007. Armed Forces Day is the broad term used to describe holidays observed by nations around the world to honor their military forces. It combines elements of the U.S. holidays Veterans Day ( formerly Armistice Day ) which recognizes living veterans of the U.S. armed forces and Memorial Day, which recognizes veterans no longer alive. The concept also includes elements of Remembrance Day in many other nations. Contents 1 Argentina 2 Armenia 3 Australia and New Zealand 4 Azerbaijan 5 Bangladesh 6 Bolivia 7 Brazil 8 Bulgaria 9 Canada 10 Chile 11 China ( People 's Republic of China ) 12 Croatia 13 Cuba 14 Dominican Republic 15 Egypt 16 Finland 17 France 18 Georgia 19 Greece 20 Guatemala 21 Haiti 22 Hungary 23 India 24 Indonesia 25 Iran 26 Iraq 27 Israel 28 Italy 29 Japan 29.1 Empire of Japan 30 Kazakhstan 31 Laos 32 Latvia 33 Lebanon 34 Macedonia 35 Mali 36 Malaysia 37 Mauritania 38 Mexico 39 Mongolia 40 Myanmar 41 Nigeria 42 North Korea 43 Pakistan 44 Peru 45 Philippines 46 Poland 47 Romania 48 Russian Federation 49 Serbia 50 Singapore 51 South Korea 52 Spain 53 Sri Lanka 54 South Africa 55 Taiwan / Republic of China ( ROC ) 56 Tajikistan 57 Thailand 58 Ukraine 59 United Kingdom 60 United States 61 Venezuela 62 Vietnam 62.1 South Vietnam 63 See also 64 References 65 External links 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 Armenia Main article : Army Day ( Armenia ) Բանակի օր ( English : Army Day ) is celebrated on 28 January to commemorate the formation of the armed forces of the newly independent Republic of Armenia in 1992. 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 and 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. Azerbaijan Silahlı Qüvvələr Günü ( English : Day of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan ) is celebrated on 26 June. The events are centered around a military parade in Baku, the national capital. The annual parade is one of the biggest in the Commonwealth of Independent States. 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, 1971. The day starts with laying of a floral wreath at ' Sikha Anirban ' ( Eternal Flame ) at Dhaka Cantonment 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 cantonments, 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. 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. Bolivia Bolivian Armed Forces Day ( Dia de las Fuerzas Armadas de Bolivia ) 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, officially gave his sanction to the creation of the Armed Forces of Bolivia. Brazil In Brazil, the commemorative dates of the Armed Forces are as follows : Marinha do Brasil ( English : Brazilian Navy ) : 11 June -- Data Magna da Marinha do Brasil ( English : Brazilian Navy commemorative day ) ; 13 December -- Dia do Marinheiro ( English : Sailor 's Day ). Exército Brasileiro ( English : Brazilian Army ) : 19 April -- Dia do Exército ( English : Brazilian Army commemorative day ) ; 25 August -- Dia do Soldado ( English : Soldier 's Day ). Força Aérea Brasileira ( English : Brazilian Air Force ) : 23 October -- Dia do Aviador ( English : Aviator 's Day ). Bulgaria The Day of Bravery and Bulgarian Armed Forces Day is commemorated every year on 6 May, The Feast of Saint George, who is the patron saint of the Bulgarian Armed Forces. The national parade is held on Prince Alexander of Battenberg Square in Sofia, the national capital city, on this day, with the salute taken by the President of Bulgaria, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Canada In Canada, Canadian Armed Forces Day is the first Sunday in June and is a celebration of Canada 's armed services, their heritage, and their personnel. Canadian Armed Forces Day is not a public holiday in Canada. Chile Main article : Fiestas Patrias ( Chile ) In Chile, Día de las Glorias del Ejército ( Army Day ) is a national holiday celebrated every 19 September, a day after the independence day, with the `` Parada Militar '', a parade where all the branches of the armed forces display some of their troops and equipment in a special part of `` Parque O'Higgins '' in Santiago. Several other smaller parades can be seen on 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 Día de las Glorias de la Armada ( Navy Day ) celebrations on 21 May, in honor of the double anniversaries of the Battle of Iquique and the Battle of Punta Gruesa 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. China ( People 's Republic of China ) The Army Day ( Chinese : 建 军 节 ) is celebrated in the People 's Republic of China on 1 August in commemoration of the founding of the People 's Liberation Army in 1927. Croatia In Croatia, the commemorative dates of the Armed Forces are as follows : Oružane snage Republike Hrvatske ( English : Republic of Croatia Armed Forces ) : 28 May -- Dan Oružanih snaga Republike Hrvatske ( English : Croatian Armed Forces Day ), marking the day of the first ever public parade of the military forces on 28 May 1991 on Stadion Kranjčevićeva, Zagreb. Hrvatska kopnena vojska ( English : Croatian Army ) ; 28 May -- Dan Hrvatske kopnene vojske ( English : Croatian Army Day ). Hrvatska ratna mornarica ( English : Croatian Navy ) ; 18 September -- Dan Hrvatske ratne mornarice ( English : Croatian Navy Day ) ; Hrvatsko ratno zrakoplovstvo i protuzračna obrana ( English : Croatian Air Force and Defense ). 12 December -- Dan Hrvatskog ratnog zrakoplovstva ( English : 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. 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 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 ) will be the second and will be the final event marking the diamond jubilee since the events of 1956. Dominican Republic Día de las Fuerzas Armadas ( English : 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. Egypt In Egypt, Armed Forces Day is celebrated on 6 October, the date on which the October War of 1973 began with the Egyptian Army 's successful crossing of the Suez Canal that culminated in the capture of the Bar Lev Line. Finland In Finland, Puolustusvoimain lippujuhlan päivä ( English : Day of the Finnish Defence Forces ; literally The Day of the Finnish Defence Forces ' flag fest ) is celebrated on 4 June, which is the birthday of Marshal of Finland Gustaf Mannerheim. During 1919 -- 1939 it was called as `` Sotaväen lippujuhlan päivä '' ( The Day of the Finnish Army 's flag fest ) and was celebrated on 16th as the Victory Day of the Troops of the Republic of Finland, i.e. the Whites over the Reds in the Civil War 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 `` Suomen marsalkan syntymäpäivä '' ( 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 the 14 July, which is the oldest and largest military parade in Europe. Georgia Georgia marks its Armed Forces Day ( Georgian : შეიარაღებული ძალების დღე ) on 30 April to commemorate the foundation of the Georgian Armed Forces in 1991. Greece Greece marks its Armed Forces Day ( Greek : Ημέρα των Ενόπλων Δυνάμεων ) on 21 November, on the day of the Presentation of Mary. 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 and Justo Rufino Barrios, and composed of personnel of the Guatemalan Army, marched on the streets of Guatemala City and captured the Presidential palace, putting an end to the Conservadora administration formerly headed by Rafael Carrera, 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, Le Jour de La Battaille Des Vertieres is celebrated on 18 November in celebration of the victory of the indigenous slave African and Gens de couleur versus the European forces led by France with support from United States and Spain. Hungary In Hungary, the Patriots and Homeland Defenders Day is celebrated on 21 May, honoring all those serving in the Hungarian Defence Force. India In India, Army Day is celebrated on 15 January, Navy Day 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 Indonesia Main article : Indonesian National Armed Forces Day Hari Tentara Nasional Indonesia ( English : Indonesian National Armed Forces Day ) abbreviated HUT TNI is celebrated on the 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, the establishment day of the army. Iraq Iraqi Armed Forces Day is celebrated on 6 January, and marks the anniversary of the activation of the Iraqi Army on 6 January 1921. Israel Yom Hazikaron ( English : Memorial Day ) is observed on the 4th day of the month of Iyar of the Hebrew calendar or May in the Gregorian Calendar, always preceding the next day 's celebrations of Israel Independence Day, Yom Ha - Atzma'ut, on the 5th day of Iyar, the anniversary of the Proclamation of the State of Israel in 1948. 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 : Army Day : 4 May ( Italian Army ) Navy Day : 10 June ( Italian Navy ) Air Force Day : 28 March ( Italian Air Force ) Carabinieri Days : 5 June and 13 July Japan In Japan, following the end of World War II and beginning in 1966, the Self - Defense Force Day ( Japanese : 自衛隊 記念 日 ; Romaji : Jiei - tai Kinen'bi ) is celebrated every 1 November. The parade honoring the SDF, however, falls on the last week of October. Empire of Japan In the Empire of Japan, 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. 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. These days were celebrated from 1906 until the end of World War II in 1945. Kazakhstan Main article : Defender of the Fatherland Day ( Kazakhstan ) The Defender of the Fatherland Day of Kazakhstan is observed on 7 May to mark the founding of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan on 7 May 1992 after the fall of the USSR. Laos The Anniversary of The Lao Army was observed annually every 20 January 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 Communist Party. Latvia The Latvian National Armed Forces Day is marked every 10 July, a day when in 1919 Latvia 's Independent and Northlatvian brigades where united in one formation under the command of General David Simanson, Lebanon Lebanese Armed Forces ( Armed Forces Day ) is celebrated on 1 August. 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 fascist forces in World War II in Macedonia. The day is not a national holiday, but is celebrated with a manifestation at one of the Army 's barracks, where the President, the Speaker of the Assembly, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense are always present. Usually there is a parade of the armed forces and an exhibition of the weapons and vehicles of the Army. Mali Mali Army Day is celebrated on 20 January. Malaysia Hari Angkatan Tentera Malaysia ( English : Malaysian Armed Forces Day ) is celebrated on 16 September. Mauritania Mauritanian Armed Forces ( English : Armed Forces Day ) is celebrated on 1 May. Mexico Mexican Armed Forces ( English : Armed Forces Day ) is celebrated on 19 February since 1950, in commemoration of the decree that created them in 1917. Mongolia Soldier 's Day ( Mongolian : Цэргийн баяр ) 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, Armed Forces Day ( တပ်မတော်နေ့ ) is celebrated on 27 March in commemoration of the start of Burmese army 's resistance to Japanese occupation in 1945. Originally, it was not Armed Forces Day, but Resistance Day ( တော်လှန်ရေးနေ့ ). Nigeria In Nigeria, Armed Forces Day, also known as Remembrance Day, is celebrated on 15 January. It was formerly celebrated on 11 November of every year to coincide with the Remembrance Day ( Poppy Day ) for the World War II veterans in the British Commonwealth of Nations. But it was changed to 15 January in Nigeria in commemoration of the surrender of Biafran troops to the Federal troops on 15 January 1970, thus concluding the Nigerian Civil War that sought to tear apart the unity of Nigeria. North Korea Further information : Public holidays in North Korea In North Korea, People 's Army Foundation Day is celebrated on 25 April, in commemoration of the day of the creation of the Korean People 's Army ( KPA ) in 1932. On that holiday North Korea holds a national commemorative assembly in Pyongyang and various commemorative events, firepower demonstrations, concerts and the military parade. Since 23 April 1996 when the Central People 's Committee 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 Army Day, 8 February, to commemorate the official formation of the regular forces of the KPA in 1948. Pakistan In Pakistan, the Federal Army, Navy and Air Force celebrate Defence Day ( 6 September ), the Navy Day / Victory Day ( 8 September ) and the Air Force Day ( 7 September ) respectively. Usually the ceremony takes place on the Resolution or Pakistan Day ( 23 March ) when all three services display their full colours and guards of honour, as well as on Independence Day ( 14 August ). 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 itself is 9 December, commemorating Peru 's victory in the Battle of Ayacucho, which ended the Peruvian War of Independence, while for the Peruvian Navy, Navy Day is on 8 October, the double anniversary of the 1821 foundation of the Navy and the Battle of Angamos in 1879. Air Force Day is held on 23 July, the anniversary of the death of Peruvian Air Force Lieutenant José Quiñones Gonzales during the 1941 Ecuadorian - Peruvian war. The Great Military Parade of Peru is held on the day after Independence Day, 29 July, and this is where all 3 services of the Armed Forces are also honored. Philippines Armed Forces Day ( Filipino : Araw ng Hukbong Sandatahang Lakas, Spanish : Dia de las Fuerzas Armadas del Filipinas ) is observed on 21 December, the anniversary of the official founding of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 1935 in accordance with CA No. 1 ( National Defense Act of 1935 ). Poland Main article : Armed Forces Day ( 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 at the Battle of Warsaw in the Polish - Soviet War. The holiday was discontinued during the communist era in 1947, only to be revived again after the return of democracy in 1992. Romania In Romania, the Armed Forces Day is celebrated on 25 October -- on this day, in 1944, the Romanian Land Forces liberated Carei, the last Romanian city under joint Nazi - Hungarian occupation. The Romania -- Hungary border had been reached a few days earlier, but the troops rested, completing the liberation of Romania. Russian federation In Russia, the День защитника Отечества / Dyen ' zaschitnika Otechestva ( English : Defender of the Fatherland Day ) is celebrated on 23 February, honoring all those serving in the Russian Armed Forces. In the Soviet Union there was День Советской Армии / Dyen ' Sovetskoy Armi'i ( Day of the Soviet Army ), celebrated on the same date. In Russia the following holidays are celebrated by military personnel, veterans and the general public : Russian Special Operations Forces Day on 27 February, commemorating the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine, 2014 Victory Day on 9 May : Victory Day marks Germany 's surrender to the Soviet Union in 1945 Navy Day on the last Sunday of July Paratroopers Day on 2 August Russian Air Force Day on 12 August Russian Ground Forces Day on 1 October, in honor of the 1550 raising of the first Streltsy detachments Russian Aerospace Defence Forces Day on 4 October, the date of the 1957 launching of Sputnik Russian Naval Infantry Day on 27 November, the date of its 1705 founding Strategic Missile Troops Day on 17 December Serbia Dan Vojske Srbije ( Serbian Armed Forces 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. 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 on parade. 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. South Korea Main article : Armed Forces Day ( South Korea ) In South Korea, 국군 의 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. It is not a national holiday or public day off, but a National Flag Raising Day ( 국기 게양 일 ) to recognize and honor the active and reserve servicemen and women and veterans of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. 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 Saint Ferdinand, King. The Armed Forces and those killed in service are also honoured at the celebrations of Spain 's National Day ( 12 October ). 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. South africa Armed Forces Day for the South African National Defence Force is celebrated on 21 February, the day of the 1993 reconstitution of the South African Defence Force 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, 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. Taiwan / Republic of China ( roc ) The Armed Forces Day ( Chinese : 軍人 節 ) is celebrated in the Republic of China on the western Pacific island of Taiwan ( formerly called Formosa when under Japanese occupation ), on 3 September, on the same day as their Victory over Japan Day ( 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 ( 國防 部 ) determines how to allow a day off for the military personnel. This is not a public holiday in the Republic of China on Taiwan, but relevant institutions, groups, and schools may hold celebrating activities. Tajikistan Main article : Armed Forces Day ( Tajikistan ) Рӯзи ид ( English : Army Day ) is celebrated on 23 February to commemorate the formation of the armed forces of Tajikistan in 1993. Military parades have been held on Armed Forces Day in 1993 and 2013. Thailand Thailand honours the Royal Thai Armed Forces on 18 January, the very day King Naresuan won Yuddhahatthi or Elephant Battle against Mingyi Swa ( grandson of Bayinnaung ) in 1592 at Nong Sarai, Suphanburi. 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. Ukraine The Ukrainian Ground Forces 's Ground Forces Day is celebrated on 12 December. Navy Day for the Ukrainian Navy is celebrated on the first Sunday of July since 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. This holiday was established in 1993 by a resolution passed by the Verkhovna Rada. United Kingdom Main article : Armed Forces Day ( United Kingdom ) The first Armed Forces Day in the United Kingdom took place on 27 June 2009. It replaced the previous 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, and 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 2012 was centred on Plymouth and took place on Saturday 30 June. Smaller events were held throughout the United Kingdom. The Isle of Man holds its event on Sunday 24 June. 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 ( the fourth if the month begins on a Sunday, as in 2016 ). ( 2 ) First observed on 20 May 1950, the day was created on 31 August 1949, to honor Americans serving in the five U.S. military branches -- the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard -- following the consolidation of the military services in the U.S. Department of Defense. It was intended to replace the separate Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Days, but the separate days are still observed, especially within the respective services. ( 3 ) The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated by parades, open houses, receptions and air shows. The United States ' longest continuously running Armed Forces Day Parade is held in Bremerton, WA. In 2017 Bremerton celebrated the 69th year of the Armed Forces Day Parade. Because of their unique training schedules, National Guard and Reserve units may celebrate Armed Forces Day / Week over any period in the month of May. On 19 May 2017, President Donald Trump reaffirmed the Armed Forces Day holiday, marking the 70th anniversary since the creation of the Department of Defense. Aside from the federal holiday the Armed Forces and the National Guard Bureau are honored on the following days : Last Monday of May : Memorial Day 14 June : Flag Day and Army Day ( United States Army ) 4 August : Coast Guard Day ( United States Coast Guard ) 17 September : Air Force Day ( United States Air Force ) 13 October : US Navy Birthday ( United States Navy ) 27 October : Navy Day ( United States Navy ) 10 November : Marine Corps Day ( United States Marine Corps ) 11 November : Veterans Day 13 December : National Guard Day ( National Guard of the United States ) Venezuela Venezuela celebrates Army Day on 24 June, the anniversary of Simón Bolívar 's victory in the Battle of Carabobo, which led to Venezuela 's independence from Spain. Navy Day, honoring the 1823 Battle of Lake Maracaibo, is celebrated on the same day as the birthday of Simon Bolivar, 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 in which the Air Force took part ). From 1946 till 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. 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. This is not a public holiday, but relevant celebrations are held nationwide to celebrate the occasion. 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Jump up ^ Ukrainian Navy to celebrate its holiday on first Sunday of July -- decree, Interfax - Ukraine ( 12 June 2015 ) Jump up ^ The Global Road Warrior : 100 Country Handbook for the International Business Traveler by Joe Reif, World Trade Press, 2001, ISBN 1 - 885073 - 86 - 0 Jump up ^ Ukraine Intelligence & Security Activities and Operations Handbook, International Business Publications, USA, 2009, ISBN 0 - 7397 - 1661 - 1 Jump up ^ `` Ukraine marks Air Force Day ''. Jump up ^ Culture Smart ! Ukraine by Anna Shevchenko, Kuperard, 2006, ISBN 978 - 1 - 85733 - 327 - 5 Jump up ^ Ukraine marks Armed Forces Day ( Video ), UNIAN ( 6 December 2017 ) Jump up ^ Rayment, Sean ( 9 March 2008 ). `` Daily Telegraph ' ' ( retrieved 27 July 2009 ) ' ' ''. The Daily Telegraph. UK. Retrieved 6 January 2012. Jump up ^ Matthew Hickley ( 30 October 2008 ). `` Daily Mail ' ' ( retrieved 27 July 2009 ) ' ' ''. Daily Mail. UK. Retrieved 6 January 2012. Jump up ^ `` Armed Forces Day ( UK ) ''. Archived from the original on 27 June 2009. Retrieved 24 June 2009. Jump up ^ `` First Veterans ' Day takes place ''. BBC. 27 June 2006. Retrieved 29 October 2008. Jump up ^ Nicholas Orton ( 22 June 2009 ). `` Douglas Borough Council Online -- Tel : 01624 696300 ''. Douglas.gov.im. Archived from the original on 22 February 2012. Retrieved 6 January 2012. Jump up ^ `` Sky News ' ' ( retrieved 27 Jun3 2009 ) ''. News.sky.com. Retrieved 6 January 2012. Jump up ^ `` Defence News : ' Lorraine Kelly launches Armed Forces Day ' 2011 '' ( retrieved 22 June 2011 ) ``. Mod.uk. 20 February 2007. Retrieved 6 January 2012. Jump up ^ `` - - City of Edinburgh Council ''. 1 August 2012. Archived from the original on 1 August 2012. Jump up ^ Office of the Press Secretary ( 19 May 2017 ). `` President Donald J. Trump Proclaims the Third Saturday of Each May as Armed Forces Day ''. whitehouse.gov. Washington, D.C. : White House. Retrieved 20 May 2017. Jump up ^ `` President Donald J. Trump Proclaims the Third Saturday of Each May as Armed Forces Day ''. World News Network. United States : World News Inc. 20 May 2017. Retrieved 20 May 2017. Jump up ^ `` LOOK : Trump, Obama Commemorate Armed Forces Day ''. Fox News. New York City : Fox Entertainment Group. 20 May 2017. Retrieved 20 May 2017. Jump up ^ Wagner, Sarah ( 15 June 2005 ). `` Venezuela 's Independence Day Parade Suspended due to Assassination Concerns ''. Voltaire Network. Retrieved 23 June 2011. Jump up ^ Saigon ( 25 June 2011 ). `` Phong Trào Cờ Vàng Chuyển Lửa Đấu Tranh : Ngày Quân Lực VNCH 19 - 6 - 2011 Orlando, Florida, USA ''. External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to Army Days. DefenseLINK : Armed Forces Day ( U.S. ) Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Armed_Forces_Day&oldid=856288948 '' Categories : Types of national holidays Armed Forces days June observances Hidden categories : CS1 Portuguese - language sources ( pt ) CS1 Finnish - language sources ( fi ) Webarchive template wayback links CS1 Greek - language sources ( el ) All articles with dead external links Articles with dead external links from July 2017 Articles with permanently dead external links Articles with Chinese - language external links Articles with dead external links from October 2016 Articles needing additional references from January 2013 All articles needing additional references Wikipedia introduction cleanup from January 2013 All pages needing cleanup Articles covered by WikiProject Wikify from January 2013 All articles covered by WikiProject Wikify Articles with multiple maintenance issues Use dmy dates from January 2013 Articles containing Chinese - language text Articles containing Georgian - language text Articles containing Greek - language text Articles containing French - language text Articles containing Mongolian - language text Articles containing Burmese - language text All articles with unsourced statements Articles with unsourced statements from April 2016 Commons category with local link different than on Wikidata Holidays and observances by scheduling ( nth weekday of the month ) Talk Contents About Wikipedia Cymraeg Français Magyar Bahasa Melayu 日本 語 संस्कृतम् සිංහල کوردی ไทย 中文 4 more Edit links This page was last edited on 24 August 2018, at 04 : 59 ( UTC ). 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Question: what day is armed forces day in the us
Answer: third Saturday in May