Armed Forces Day
Encyclopedia
Several nations of the world hold an annual Armed Forces
Day in honor of their military
forces.
is a public holiday celebrated on April 25 for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps
(ANZAC). The date commemorates the landings in 1915 at Anzac Cove
by Australian and New Zealand forces, the beginning of the costly Gallipoli campaign.
, Dia do Soldado (Soldier's Day) is celebrated on August 25, the birthday of war hero Luís Alves de Lima e Silva
. .
On October 23 is celebrated O Dia do Aviador (Aviator's Day).
On December 13 is celebrated O Dia do Marinheiro (Sailor's Day).
, who is the patron saint of the Bulgarian Army.
Day is the first Sunday in June and is strictly a celebration of Canada's armed services, their heritage, and their personnel. Many individual bases also celebrate an "Armed Forces Day" where part of a base is opened to the public for military demonstrations by various units, including airshow
s at air bases, and engineering, armoured and infantry displays at army bases. The date chosen by base commanders for each base's Armed Forces Day is typically on a weekend during the summer months.
, Día de las Glorias del Ejército is a national holiday celebrated every September 19, 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 September 3, on the same day as Victory over Japan Day
. 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 Taiwan, but relevant institutions, groups, and schools may hold celebrating activities.
on August 1 in commemoration of the founding of the People's Liberation Army
in 1927
.
, the Dan Oružanih snaga Republike Hrvatske (Day of the Croatian Armed Forces
) is celebrated on May 28 in celebration of its formation on that day in 1991.
, Armed Forces Day is celebrated on October 6, 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
.
Carl Gustaf Emil 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 Whites
. After the Winter War there were no need to maintain the dichotomy of Finnish society and the celebrations of 16th May were ended. During Mannerheim's 75th birthday the Finnish Government declared that from then on 4th 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".
, Día del Ejército is celebrated on June 30. It is remembered because in 1871 the Liberal Revolution or "Revolución Liberal", led by Miguel García Granados and Justo Rufino Barrios
, marched on the streets of Guatemala City putting an end to the Conservadora administration formerly headed by Rafael Carrera
.
, Navy
, Coast Guard
and Air Force
celebrate their own Army Day (January 15), the Navy Day (December 4), the Indian Coast Guard Day (February 1) and the IAF Day (October 8) respectively. On Republic Day (January 26), all three services display their full colours and guard of honour
.
aircraft. Now it is the fourth largest air force in the World after US, Russia and China. On 1 April 1933 first flight of the IAF the 'A' flight took off. IAF personnel consisted of five pilots and one equipment officer and 19 Havai Sepoys (air soldiers) and its aircraft was four Westland Wapiti IIA arm, which was in karachi(Pakistan). The Air Force first war was on 01 Oct 1937 in Waziristan
for Army Co-operation missions against Tribal. 'A' Flight flew 1400 operational hours.
(Memorial Day) is observed on the 4th day of the month of Iyar
of the Hebrew 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. This holiday honors fallen military personnel of the Israel Defense Forces and Israeli Security Forces who died in defense of Israel and victims of Terrorism.
. On November 4, 1918, Austrian-Hungarian forces agreed to a cease fire, thus ending the war on Italian front.
, Army Commemoration Day(Japanese
:陸軍記念日, Riku-gun Kinen'bi) was celebrated on every March 10 in celebration of victory in Battle of Mukden
. And Navy Commemoration Day(Japanese:海軍記念日, Kai-gun Kinen'bi) was celebrated on every May 24 in celebration of victory in Battle of Tsushima
. There were celebrated from 1906 until 1945.
In Japan
after World War II
, Self-Defence Force
Commemoration Day(Japanese:自衛隊記念日, Jiei-tai Kinen'bi) is celebrated on every November 1 from 1966.
, Tatmadaw Nay (Armed Forces Day) is celebrated on March 27 in commemoration of the start of Burmese army's resistance to Japanese occupation in 1945.
, Armed Forces Day or Remembrance Day is celebrated on January 15. It was formally marked on November 11 of every year to coincide with the Remembrance Day (Poppy Day) for the World War
veterans in all Commonwealth of Nations
. But it was changed to January 15 of every year in Nigeria in commemoration the January 1966 when the first shot was fired to start the process that metamorphosed into the Nigerian Civil War
.
(September 6), the Navy Day
(September 8) and the PAF Day
(September 7) respectively. But during Military rule
it is on the Independence Day (August 14). Usually the ceremony takes place on the Resolution or Republic Day
(March 23) when Pakistan is functioned during Democratic rule
all three services display their full natural colours and guard of honour where they salute the national flag
, Jinnah, Fatima Jinnah
and other founding fathers such as Muhammad Iqbal
, Choudhary Rehmat Ali as well as the national leaders. These observances then are watched by crowds of the patriotic peoples, both at home and abroad. The capital Islamabad
and other cities such as Lahore
, Karachi
, Gwadar
, Quetta
and Peshawar
virtually come to a stand still during these celebrations.
, the Día de las Fuerzas Armadas del Perú (Peruvian Armed Forces Day) is celebrated on September 24.
, the Armed Forces Day is celebrated on October 25 – on this day, in 1944, the Romanian Army liberated Carei, the last Romanian city under foreign occupation.
The Romania–Hungary border had been reached a few days earlier, but the troops rested, completing the liberation of Romania as a gift to King Mihail I of Romania on his birthday.
) is celebrated on February 23. In Soviet Union
there was День Советской Армии / Dyen' Sovetskoy Armi'i (Day of the Soviet Army), celebrated on the same date.
, Singapore Armed Forces Day falls on 1 July each year. There is a parade to mark the day. There is also the trooping of colours for the occasion.
, Dan Slovenske vojske (Day of the Slovenian Army) is on 15 May each year.
in 1950 during the Korean War
. It is not a national holiday or public day off, but a National Flag Raising Day
(국기게양일) to recognizes and honor the military forces of the Republic of Korea
each armed services celebrates its own Army Day (October 9), the Navy Day (December 9) and the Air Force Day (March 2) respectively. However all armed services celebrates Independence day (February 4) with a military parade in which they display their full colours.
honours the Royal Thai Armed Forces on January 18 . The day King Naresuan
won Yuddhahatthi or Elephant Battle against Minchit Sra (grandson of Bayinnaung
) in 1592 at Nong Sarai , Suphanburi
.
which was 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
, 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 the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester
, attended as the official party, along with the head of the Armed Forces, Air Chief Marshal
Sir Jock Stirrup, and Defence Minister Kevan Jones
.
It was announced during the event at Chatham that the 2010 event will be centred on Cardiff
. Smaller events were held throughout the United Kingdom.
The 2011 event is to be centred on Edinburgh
. Smaller events will be held throughout the United Kingdom.
The Isle of Man
, a Crown Dependency
is to hold its events a month later on 26 July 2009.
The day was created in 1949 to honor Americans serving in the five U.S. military branches – the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard – following the consolidation of the military services in the 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.
The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated by parades, open houses, receptions and air shows. In 1962, President Kennedy established Armed Forces Day as an official holiday.
The United States' longest running city-sponsored Armed Forces Day Parade is held in Bremerton, Washington. In 2009, Bremerton celebrated the 61st 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 May.
celebrates Army Day on June 24, the anniversary of Simón Bolívar
's victory in the Battle of Carabobo
, which led to Venezuela's independence from Spain.
, Armed Forces Day is celebrated on December 22, the date of establishment of the Armed Propaganda Unit for National Liberation, the predecessor to the Vietnam People's Army
.
Armed forces
The armed forces of a country are its government-sponsored defense, fighting forces, and organizations. They exist to further the foreign and domestic policies of their governing body, and to defend that body and the nation it represents from external aggressors. In some countries paramilitary...
Day in honor of their military
Military
A military is an organization authorized by its greater society to use lethal force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country by combating actual or perceived threats. The military may have additional functions of use to its greater society, such as advancing a political agenda e.g...
forces.
Armenia
Բանակի օր (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 DayANZAC Day
Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, commemorated by both countries on 25 April every year to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who fought at Gallipoli in the Ottoman Empire during World War I. It now more broadly commemorates all...
is a public holiday celebrated on April 25 for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps
Australian and New Zealand Army Corps
The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps was a First World War army corps of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force that was formed in Egypt in 1915 and operated during the Battle of Gallipoli. General William Birdwood commanded the corps, which comprised troops from the First Australian Imperial...
(ANZAC). The date commemorates the landings in 1915 at Anzac Cove
Anzac Cove
Anzac Cove is a small cove on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey. It became famous as the site of World War I landing of the ANZAC on April 25, 1915. The cove is a mere long, bounded by the headlands of Ari Burnu to the north and Little Ari Burnu, known as Hell Spit, to the south...
by Australian and New Zealand forces, the beginning of the costly Gallipoli campaign.
Azerbaijan
Silahlı Qüvvələr Günü (Day of the Armed Forces) is celebrated on June 26.Bangladesh
Bangladesh observe Armed Forces Day on 21 November to mark the occasion of Tri- Services joint operation against occupation Pakistani forces in Liberation War 1971. The day starts with laying of floral wreath at 'Sikha Anirban' (Eternal Flame) at Dhaka Cantonment by President, Prime Minister and Service Chiefs. In the afternoon a reception at Senakunja, Dhaka Cantonment is held where Prime Minister, ministers, leader of opposition and other high civil and military officials attend. In other cantonments, naval and air bases similar receptions are held. A special TV programme title 'Anirban' is broadcasted on different tv channels on previous evening and special newspaper supplements are also published with national dailies. Receptions are also held by Prime Minister and Service Chiefs for recepient of gallantry award Freedom fighter. Improved meals for family members are served in all military stations. Armed Forces Division also brings out a special publication with articles related to War of Independence and armed forces.Brazil
In BrazilBrazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
, Dia do Soldado (Soldier's Day) is celebrated on August 25, the birthday of war hero Luís Alves de Lima e Silva
Luís Alves de Lima e Silva
Luís Alves de Lima e Silva, Duke of Caxias , nicknamed "the Peacemaker" and "Iron Duke", was an army officer, politician and monarchist of the Empire of Brazil. Caxias pursued a military career, as had his father and many relatives before him. In 1823, he fought as a young officer during most of...
. .
On October 23 is celebrated O Dia do Aviador (Aviator's Day).
On December 13 is celebrated O Dia do Marinheiro (Sailor's Day).
Bulgaria
The Day of Bravery is commemorated every year on the 6th of May, The Feast of Saint GeorgeSaint George
Saint George was, according to tradition, a Roman soldier from Syria Palaestina and a priest in the Guard of Diocletian, who is venerated as a Christian martyr. In hagiography Saint George is one of the most venerated saints in the Catholic , Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and the Oriental Orthodox...
, who is the patron saint of the Bulgarian Army.
Canada
In Canada, Canadian ForcesCanadian Forces
The Canadian Forces , officially the Canadian Armed Forces , are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces."...
Day is the first Sunday in June and is strictly a celebration of Canada's armed services, their heritage, and their personnel. Many individual bases also celebrate an "Armed Forces Day" where part of a base is opened to the public for military demonstrations by various units, including airshow
Airshow
An air show is an event at which aviators display their flying skills and the capabilities of their aircraft to spectators in aerobatics. Air shows without aerobatic displays, having only aircraft displayed parked on the ground, are called "static air shows"....
s at air bases, and engineering, armoured and infantry displays at army bases. The date chosen by base commanders for each base's Armed Forces Day is typically on a weekend during the summer months.
Chile
In ChileChile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
, Día de las Glorias del Ejército is a national holiday celebrated every September 19, 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
O'Higgins Park
O'Higgins Park is Santiago, Chile's second largest public park . It is located in the center of the capital, in the Santiago Commune...
" in Santiago
Santiago, Chile
Santiago , also known as Santiago de Chile, is the capital and largest city of Chile, and the center of its largest conurbation . It is located in the country's central valley, at an elevation of above mean sea level...
. Several other smaller parades can be seen on other cities of the country, as well as air displays by the air force.
Republic of China (Taiwan)
Armed Forces Day is celebrated in the Republic of ChinaRepublic of China
The Republic of China , commonly known as Taiwan , is a unitary sovereign state located in East Asia. Originally based in mainland China, the Republic of China currently governs the island of Taiwan , which forms over 99% of its current territory, as well as Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu and other minor...
on September 3, on the same day as Victory over Japan Day
Victory over Japan Day
Victory over Japan Day is a name chosen for the day on which the Surrender of Japan occurred, effectively ending World War II, and subsequent anniversaries of that event...
. 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
Military of the Republic of China
The Republic of China Armed Forces encompass the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Military Police Force of the Republic of China . It is a military establishment, which accounted for 16.8% of the central budget in the fiscal year of 2003...
. This is not a public holiday in Taiwan, but relevant institutions, groups, and schools may hold celebrating activities.
People's Republic of China (Mainland China)
Army Day is celebrated in the People's Republic of ChinaPeople's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
on August 1 in commemoration of the founding of the People's Liberation Army
People's Liberation Army
The People's Liberation Army is the unified military organization of all land, sea, strategic missile and air forces of the People's Republic of China. The PLA was established on August 1, 1927 — celebrated annually as "PLA Day" — as the military arm of the Communist Party of China...
in 1927
Nanchang Uprising
The Nanchang Uprising was the first major Kuomintang-Communist engagement of the Chinese Civil War, in order to counter the anti-communist purges by the Nationalist Party of China....
.
Croatia
In CroatiaCroatia
Croatia , officially the Republic of Croatia , is a unitary democratic parliamentary republic in Europe at the crossroads of the Mitteleuropa, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean. Its capital and largest city is Zagreb. The country is divided into 20 counties and the city of Zagreb. Croatia covers ...
, the Dan Oružanih snaga Republike Hrvatske (Day of the Croatian Armed Forces
Military of Croatia
Croatian military is officially called Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia and it consists of three branches:* Croatian Army * Croatian Navy...
) is celebrated on May 28 in celebration of its formation on that day in 1991.
Egypt
In EgyptEgypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
, Armed Forces Day is celebrated on October 6, the date on which the October War
Yom Kippur War
The Yom Kippur War, Ramadan War or October War , also known as the 1973 Arab-Israeli War and the Fourth Arab-Israeli War, was fought from October 6 to 25, 1973, between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria...
of 1973 began with the Egyptian Army
Egyptian Army
The Egyptian Army is the largest service branch within the Egyptian Armed Forces and holds power in the current Egyptian government. It is estimated to number around 379,000, in addition to 479,000 reservists for a total of 858,000 strong. The modern army was created in the 1820s, and during the...
's successful crossing of the Suez Canal
Suez Canal
The Suez Canal , also known by the nickname "The Highway to India", is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. Opened in November 1869 after 10 years of construction work, it allows water transportation between Europe and Asia without navigation...
that culminated in the capture of the Bar Lev Line
Bar Lev Line
The Bar Lev Line was a chain of fortifications built by Israel along the eastern coast of the Suez Canal after it captured the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt during the 1967 Six-Day War.-Overview:...
.
Finland
In Finland, Puolustusvoimain lippujuhlan päivä Day of The Finnish Defence's Force, literally The Day of the Finnish Defence Force's flag fest) is celebrated on 4th June, which is the birthday of Marshal of FinlandMarshal of Finland
Marshal of Finland was the title awarded to the Finnish Commander-in-Chief Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim on his 75th birthday on June 4, 1942. The fully honorary rank was specially created for Mannerheim...
Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim
Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim
Baron Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim was the military leader of the Whites in the Finnish Civil War, Commander-in-Chief of Finland's Defence Forces during World War II, Marshal of Finland, and a Finnish statesman. He was Regent of Finland and the sixth President of Finland...
. 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 Whites
Whites (Finland)
The Whites is the name used to the refugee government and forces under Pehr Evind Svinhufvud's first senate during the Finnish civil war. The forces were initially formed by the paramilitary White Guard and other recruitees and draftees...
. After the Winter War there were no need to maintain the dichotomy of Finnish society and the celebrations of 16th May were ended. During Mannerheim's 75th birthday the Finnish Government declared that from then on 4th 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".
Guatemala
In GuatemalaGuatemala
Guatemala is a country in Central America bordered by Mexico to the north and west, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, Belize to the northeast, the Caribbean to the east, and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast...
, Día del Ejército is celebrated on June 30. It is remembered because in 1871 the Liberal Revolution or "Revolución Liberal", led by Miguel García Granados and Justo Rufino Barrios
Justo Rufino Barrios
Justo Rufino Barrios was a President of Guatemala known for his liberal reforms and his attempts to reunite Central America....
, marched on the streets of Guatemala City putting an end to the Conservadora administration formerly headed by Rafael Carrera
Rafael Carrera
José Rafael Carrera Turcios was the ruler of Guatemala from 1844 to 1848 and from 1851 until his death in 1865. During his military career and presidency, the new nations in Central America faced numerous problems...
.
Hungary
In Hungary, the Day of Patriots and Military Honvedelem Napja hu:Nemzeti eml%C3%A9knap is celebrated on May 21.India
In India, the ArmyIndian Army
The Indian Army is the land based branch and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. With about 1,100,000 soldiers in active service and about 1,150,000 reserve troops, the Indian Army is the world's largest standing volunteer army...
, Navy
Indian Navy
The Indian Navy is the naval branch of the armed forces of India. The President of India serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy. The Chief of Naval Staff , usually a four-star officer in the rank of Admiral, commands the Navy...
, Coast Guard
Indian Coast Guard
The Indian Coast Guard is a branch of the Indian Armed Forces. Its mission is the protection of India's maritime interests and maritime law enforcement with jurisdiction over both territorial and international waters....
and Air Force
Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force is the air arm of the Indian armed forces. Its primary responsibility is to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during a conflict...
celebrate their own Army Day (January 15), the Navy Day (December 4), the Indian Coast Guard Day (February 1) and the IAF Day (October 8) respectively. On Republic Day (January 26), all three services display their full colours and guard of honour
Honor guard
An honor guard, or ceremonial guard, is a ceremonial unit, usually military in nature and composed of volunteers who are carefully screened for their physical ability and dexterity...
.
Indian Air Force Day
The Indian Air Force Act came into force on 8 October 1932, that date being the date of its formal constitution. The IAF was a small group of six officer, nineteen airmen and four WapitiWestland Wapiti
The Westland Wapiti was a British two-seat general purpose military single-engined biplane of the 1920s. It was designed and built by Westland Aircraft Works to replace the Airco DH.9A in Royal Air Force service....
aircraft. Now it is the fourth largest air force in the World after US, Russia and China. On 1 April 1933 first flight of the IAF the 'A' flight took off. IAF personnel consisted of five pilots and one equipment officer and 19 Havai Sepoys (air soldiers) and its aircraft was four Westland Wapiti IIA arm, which was in karachi(Pakistan). The Air Force first war was on 01 Oct 1937 in Waziristan
Waziristan
Waziristan is a mountainous region near the Northwest of Pakistan, bordering Afghanistan and covering some 11,585 km² . The area is entirely populated by ethnic Pashtuns . The language spoken in the valley is Pashto/Pakhto...
for Army Co-operation missions against Tribal. 'A' Flight flew 1400 operational hours.
Indian Navy Day
In India, 4 December is celebrated as Navy Day. On this day Indian Navy played a significant role in the bombing of Karachi harbor in the 1971 war, i.e. Operation Trident, which was launched on December 4. Owing to its success, the day of the attack has been celebrated as Navy Day since then.Indian Republic Day
India became a Republic when the Constitution of the Country came into force on 26 January 1950, thereby defining it as a Sovereign Socialist Democratic Republic with a Parliamentary form of Government, through the Preamble. The Indian Constitution, which was adopted by the Constituent Assembly after considerable discussions represented the framework of the Government of the Country. Henceforth, 26 January has been recognized and celebrated as India's Republic Day with great ardor, and is decreed a national holiday.Indonesia
Hari Tentara Nasional Indonesia (Indonesian National Armed Forces Day) is celebrated on October 5, the day of foundation of the Tentara Keamanan Rakyat (People's Security Army), the predecessor of TNI.Iran
Rouz-e Artesh (Army Day) is celebrated on April 18, the day of establishment of Army.Israel
Yom HazikaronYom Hazikaron
Yom Hazikaron is Israel's official Memorial Day. In 2011, Israel honored the memory of soldiers killed in the line of duty and the civilian casualties too.-Observance:...
(Memorial Day) is observed on the 4th day of the month of Iyar
Iyar
Iyar is the eighth month of the civil year and the second month of the ecclesiastical year on the Hebrew calendar. The name is Babylonian in origin. It is a spring month of 29 days. Iyar usually falls in April–June on the Gregorian calendar.In the Hebrew Bible, before the Babylonian Exile, the...
of the Hebrew calendar
Hebrew calendar
The Hebrew calendar , or Jewish calendar, is a lunisolar calendar used today predominantly for Jewish religious observances. It determines the dates for Jewish holidays and the appropriate public reading of Torah portions, yahrzeits , and daily Psalm reading, among many ceremonial uses...
, 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. This holiday honors fallen military personnel of the Israel Defense Forces and Israeli Security Forces who died in defense of Israel and victims of Terrorism.
Italy
Giorno delle Forze Armate (Armed Forces Day) is celebrated on November 4 to remember the Italian victory in the First World WarWorld War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
. On November 4, 1918, Austrian-Hungarian forces agreed to a cease fire, thus ending the war on Italian front.
Japan
In Empire of JapanEmpire of Japan
The Empire of Japan is the name of the state of Japan that existed from the Meiji Restoration on 3 January 1868 to the enactment of the post-World War II Constitution of...
, Army Commemoration Day(Japanese
Japanese language
is a language spoken by over 130 million people in Japan and in Japanese emigrant communities. It is a member of the Japonic language family, which has a number of proposed relationships with other languages, none of which has gained wide acceptance among historical linguists .Japanese is an...
:陸軍記念日, Riku-gun Kinen'bi) was celebrated on every March 10 in celebration of victory in Battle of Mukden
Battle of Mukden
One of the largest land battles to be fought before World War I, the , the last major land battle of the Russo-Japanese War, was fought from 20 February to 10 March 1905 between Japan and Russia near Mukden in Manchuria...
. And Navy Commemoration Day(Japanese:海軍記念日, Kai-gun Kinen'bi) was celebrated on every May 24 in celebration of victory in Battle of Tsushima
Battle of Tsushima
The Battle of Tsushima , commonly known as the “Sea of Japan Naval Battle” in Japan and the “Battle of Tsushima Strait”, was the major naval battle fought between Russia and Japan during the Russo-Japanese War...
. There were celebrated from 1906 until 1945.
In Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
after World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, Self-Defence Force
Japan Self-Defense Forces
The , or JSDF, occasionally referred to as JSF or SDF, are the unified military forces of Japan that were established after the end of the post–World War II Allied occupation of Japan. For most of the post-war period the JSDF was confined to the islands of Japan and not permitted to be deployed...
Commemoration Day(Japanese:自衛隊記念日, Jiei-tai Kinen'bi) is celebrated on every November 1 from 1966.
Mauritania
Mauritanian Armed Forces (Armed Forces Day) is celebrated on July 10.Mexico
Mexican Armed Forces (Armed Forces Day) is celebrated on February 19 since 1950, in commemoration of the decree that created them on 1917.Myanmar
In MyanmarMyanmar
Burma , officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar , is a country in Southeast Asia. Burma is bordered by China on the northeast, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, India on the northwest, the Bay of Bengal to the southwest, and the Andaman Sea on the south....
, Tatmadaw Nay (Armed Forces Day) is celebrated on March 27 in commemoration of the start of Burmese army's resistance to Japanese occupation in 1945.
Nigeria
In NigeriaNigeria
Nigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in...
, Armed Forces Day or Remembrance Day is celebrated on January 15. It was formally marked on November 11 of every year to coincide with the Remembrance Day (Poppy Day) for the World War
World war
A world war is a war affecting the majority of the world's most powerful and populous nations. World wars span multiple countries on multiple continents, with battles fought in multiple theaters....
veterans in all Commonwealth of Nations
Commonwealth of Nations
The Commonwealth of Nations, normally referred to as the Commonwealth and formerly known as the British Commonwealth, is an intergovernmental organisation of fifty-four independent member states...
. But it was changed to January 15 of every year in Nigeria in commemoration the January 1966 when the first shot was fired to start the process that metamorphosed into the Nigerian Civil War
Nigerian Civil War
The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Nigerian-Biafran War, 6 July 1967–15 January 1970, was a political conflict caused by the attempted secession of the southeastern provinces of Nigeria as the self-proclaimed Republic of Biafra...
.
Pakistan
In Pakistan,the Federal Army, Navy and Air Force celebrate Army DayPakistan Army
The Pakistan Army is the branch of the Pakistani Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. The Pakistan Army came into existence after the Partition of India and the resulting independence of Pakistan in 1947. It is currently headed by General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. The Pakistan...
(September 6), the Navy Day
Pakistan Navy
The Pakistan Navy is the naval warfare/service branch of the Pakistan Armed Forces. Pakistan's Navy is responsible for Pakistan's coastline along the Arabian Sea and the defense of important civilian harbors and military bases...
(September 8) and the PAF Day
Pakistan Air Force
The Pakistan Air Force is the leading air arm of the Pakistan Armed Forces and is primarily tasked with the aerial defence of Pakistan with a secondary role of providing air support to the Pakistan Army and the Pakistan Navy. The PAF also has a tertiary role of providing strategic air transport...
(September 7) respectively. But during Military rule
Military occupation
Military occupation occurs when the control and authority over a territory passes to a hostile army. The territory then becomes occupied territory.-Military occupation and the laws of war:...
it is on the Independence Day (August 14). Usually the ceremony takes place on the Resolution or Republic Day
Republic Day
Republic Day is the name of a holiday in several countries to commemorate the day when they became republics.-1 January in the Republic of Slovakia:This was the day of creation of the Republic of Slovakia. A national holiday since 1993...
(March 23) when Pakistan is functioned during Democratic rule
Constitutionalism
Constitutionalism has a variety of meanings. Most generally, it is "a complex of ideas, attitudes, and patterns of behavior elaborating the principle that the authority of government derives from and is limited by a body of fundamental law"....
all three services display their full natural colours and guard of honour where they salute the national flag
Flag of Pakistan
The national flag of Pakistan was adopted in its present form during a meeting of the Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947, just three days before the country's independence, when it became the official flag of the Dominion of Pakistan. It was afterwards retained by the current-day Islamic...
, Jinnah, Fatima Jinnah
Fatima Jinnah
Fatima Jinnah , was one of the figurative and pioneering woman figure in Pakistan Movement and was the younger sister of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. An active political figure in the movement for independence from the British Raj, she is commonly known in Pakistan as Khātūn-e...
and other founding fathers such as Muhammad Iqbal
Muhammad Iqbal
Sir Muhammad Iqbal , commonly referred to as Allama Iqbal , was a poet and philosopher born in Sialkot, then in the Punjab Province of British India, now in Pakistan...
, Choudhary Rehmat Ali as well as the national leaders. These observances then are watched by crowds of the patriotic peoples, both at home and abroad. The capital Islamabad
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan and the tenth largest city in the country. Located within the Islamabad Capital Territory , the population of the city has grown from 100,000 in 1951 to 1.7 million in 2011...
and other cities such as Lahore
Lahore
Lahore is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab and the second largest city in the country. With a rich and fabulous history dating back to over a thousand years ago, Lahore is no doubt Pakistan's cultural capital. One of the most densely populated cities in the world, Lahore remains a...
, Karachi
Karachi
Karachi is the largest city, main seaport and the main financial centre of Pakistan, as well as the capital of the province of Sindh. The city has an estimated population of 13 to 15 million, while the total metropolitan area has a population of over 18 million...
, Gwadar
Gwadar
Gwadar also known as Godar is a developing port city on the southwestern Arabian Sea coast of Pakistan. It is the district headquarters of Gwadar District in Balochistan province and has a population of approximately 50,000.Gwadar is strategically located at the apex of the Arabian Sea and at the...
, Quetta
Quetta
is the largest city and the provincial capital of the Balochistan Province of Pakistan. Known as the "Fruit Garden of Pakistan" due to the diversity of its plant and animal wildlife, Quetta is home to the Hazarganji Chiltan National Park, which contains some of the rarest species of wildlife in the...
and Peshawar
Peshawar
Peshawar is the capital of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the administrative center and central economic hub for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan....
virtually come to a stand still during these celebrations.
Peru
In PeruPeru
Peru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean....
, the Día de las Fuerzas Armadas del Perú (Peruvian Armed Forces Day) is celebrated on September 24.
Poland
In Poland, the Armed Forces Day is celebrated on August 15 and was created to memoralize Miracle at the Vistula.Romania
In RomaniaRomania
Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea...
, the Armed Forces Day is celebrated on October 25 – on this day, in 1944, the Romanian Army liberated Carei, the last Romanian city under foreign occupation.
The Romania–Hungary border had been reached a few days earlier, but the troops rested, completing the liberation of Romania as a gift to King Mihail I of Romania on his birthday.
Russian Federation
In Russia, the День защитника Отечества / Dyen' zaschitnika Otechestva (Defender of the Fatherland DayDefender of the Fatherland Day
Defender of the Fatherland Day is a holiday observed in Russia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, Belarus and several other former republics of the Soviet Union. It is celebrated on February 23.-History:...
) is celebrated on February 23. In Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
there was День Советской Армии / Dyen' Sovetskoy Armi'i (Day of the Soviet Army), celebrated on the same date.
Singapore
In SingaporeSingapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
, Singapore Armed Forces Day falls on 1 July each year. There is a parade to mark the day. There is also the trooping of colours for the occasion.
Slovenia
In SloveniaSlovenia
Slovenia , officially the Republic of Slovenia , is a country in Central and Southeastern Europe touching the Alps and bordering the Mediterranean. Slovenia borders Italy to the west, Croatia to the south and east, Hungary to the northeast, and Austria to the north, and also has a small portion of...
, Dan Slovenske vojske (Day of the Slovenian Army) is on 15 May each year.
South Korea
In South Korea 국군 의 날 (Armed Forces Day) falls on October 1, the day that South-Korean forces broke through the 38th parallel38th parallel north
The 38th parallel north is a circle of latitude that is 38 degrees north of the Earth's equatorial plane. It crosses Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, Asia, the Pacific Ocean, North America, and the Atlantic Ocean...
in 1950 during the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
. It is not a national holiday or public day off, but a National Flag Raising Day
Public holidays in South Korea
Public holidays in South Korea each belong to one or more of three categories:*National Celebration Day *National Flag Raising Day *Public Day Off...
(국기게양일) to recognizes and honor the military forces of the Republic of Korea
Military of South Korea
The Republic of Korea Armed Forces or ROK Armed Forces, is the armed forces of the Republic of Korea...
Sri Lanka
In Sri LankaSri Lanka
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...
each armed services celebrates its own Army Day (October 9), the Navy Day (December 9) and the Air Force Day (March 2) respectively. However all armed services celebrates Independence day (February 4) with a military parade in which they display their full colours.
Thailand
ThailandThailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
honours the Royal Thai Armed Forces on January 18 . The day King Naresuan
Naresuan
Somdet Phra Naresuan Maharat or Somdet Phra Sanphet II was the King of the Ayutthaya kingdom from 1590 until his death in 1605. Naresuan was one of Siam's most revered monarchs as he was known for his campaigns to free Siam from Burmese rule...
won Yuddhahatthi or Elephant Battle against Minchit Sra (grandson of Bayinnaung
Bayinnaung
Bayinnaung Kyawhtin Nawrahta was the third king of the Toungoo dynasty of Burma . During his 30-year reign, which has been called the "greatest explosion of human energy ever seen in Burma", Bayinnaung assembled the largest empire in the history of Southeast Asia, which included much of modern day...
) in 1592 at Nong Sarai , Suphanburi
Suphanburi
Suphan Buri is a town in central Thailand, capital of the Suphan Buri Province. It covers the whole tambon Tha Philiang and parts of the tambon Rua Yai and Tha Rahat, all within the Mueang Suphan Buri district...
.
United Kingdom
The first UK Armed Forces Day took place on 27 June 2009, it replaced Veterans' DayVeterans' Day UK
Armed Forces Day in the United Kingdom is an annual event celebrated in late June to commemorate the service of men and women in the British Armed Forces. Veterans' Day was first observed in 2006, however, although an official event, it is not a public holiday in the UK. The name was changed to...
which was 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
Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
, held on 26 June 1857.
The 2009 celebrations were centred on Chatham Historic Dockyard
Chatham Historic Dockyard
Chatham Historic Dockyard is a maritime museum on part of the site of the former royal/naval dockyard at Chatham in Kent, England.Chatham Dockyard covered 400 acres and was one of the Royal Navy's main facilities for several hundred years until it was closed in 1984. After closure the dockyard was...
– a former Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
base. The Prime Minister
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the Head of Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. The Prime Minister and Cabinet are collectively accountable for their policies and actions to the Sovereign, to Parliament, to their political party and...
Gordon Brown
Gordon Brown
James Gordon Brown is a British Labour Party politician who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Labour Party from 2007 until 2010. He previously served as Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Labour Government from 1997 to 2007...
and his wife Sarah, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester
Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester
Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester is a member of the British Royal Family. Prince Richard is the youngest grandchild of King George V and Queen Mary. He has been Duke of Gloucester since his father's death in 1974. He is currently 20th in the line of succession...
, attended as the official party, along with the head of the Armed Forces, Air Chief Marshal
Air Chief Marshal
Air chief marshal is a senior 4-star air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force...
Sir Jock Stirrup, and Defence Minister Kevan Jones
Kevan Jones
Kevan David Jones is a British Labour Party politician, who has been the Member of Parliament for North Durham since 2001.-Early life:...
.
It was announced during the event at Chatham that the 2010 event will be centred on Cardiff
Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for...
. Smaller events were held throughout the United Kingdom.
The 2011 event is to be centred on Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
. Smaller events will be held throughout the United Kingdom.
The Isle of Man
Isle of Man
The Isle of Man , otherwise known simply as Mann , is a self-governing British Crown Dependency, located in the Irish Sea between the islands of Great Britain and Ireland, within the British Isles. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II, who holds the title of Lord of Mann. The Lord of Mann is...
, a Crown Dependency
Crown dependency
The Crown Dependencies are British possessions of the Crown, as opposed to overseas territories of the United Kingdom. They comprise the Channel Island Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey in the English Channel, and the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea....
is to hold its events a month later on 26 July 2009.
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 day was created in 1949 to honor Americans serving in the five U.S. military branches – the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard – following the consolidation of the military services in the Department of Defense. It was intended to replace the separate Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
, Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
, Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
, Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
, and Coast Guard
United States Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard is a branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven U.S. uniformed services. The Coast Guard is a maritime, military, multi-mission service unique among the military branches for having a maritime law enforcement mission and a federal regulatory agency...
Days, but the separate days are still observed, especially within the respective services.
The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated by parades, open houses, receptions and air shows. In 1962, President Kennedy established Armed Forces Day as an official holiday.
The United States' longest running city-sponsored Armed Forces Day Parade is held in Bremerton, Washington. In 2009, Bremerton celebrated the 61st Armed Forces Day Parade.
Because of their unique training schedules,
National Guard and Reserve units
Reserve components of the United States armed forces
The reserve components of the United States armed forces are military organizations whose members, generally perform a minimum of 39 days of military duty per year and who augment the active duty military when necessary. The reserve components are also referred to collectively as the Guard and...
may celebrate Armed Forces Day/Week over any period in May.
Venezuela
VenezuelaVenezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
celebrates Army Day on June 24, the anniversary of Simón Bolívar
Simón Bolívar
Simón José Antonio de la Santísima Trinidad Bolívar y Palacios Ponte y Yeiter, commonly known as Simón Bolívar was a Venezuelan military and political leader...
's victory in the Battle of Carabobo
Battle of Carabobo
The Battle of Carabobo, 24 June 1821, was fought between independence fighters, led by Simón Bolívar, and the Royalist forces, led by Spanish Field Marshal Miguel de la Torre. Bolívar's decisive victory at Carabobo led to the independence of Venezuela....
, which led to Venezuela's independence from Spain.
Vietnam
In VietnamVietnam
Vietnam – sometimes spelled Viet Nam , officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam – is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea –...
, Armed Forces Day is celebrated on December 22, the date of establishment of the Armed Propaganda Unit for National Liberation, the predecessor to the Vietnam People's Army
Vietnam People's Army
The Vietnam People's Army is the armed forces of Vietnam. The VPA includes: the Vietnamese People's Ground Forces , the Vietnam People's Navy , the Vietnam People's Air Force, and the Vietnam Marine Police.During the French Indochina War , the VPA was often referred to as the Việt...
.
See also
- Anzac DayANZAC DayAnzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, commemorated by both countries on 25 April every year to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who fought at Gallipoli in the Ottoman Empire during World War I. It now more broadly commemorates all...
- Armistice DayArmistice DayArmistice Day is on 11 November and commemorates the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiègne, France, for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front of World War I, which took effect at eleven o'clock in the morning—the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day...
- Red poppy
- Remembrance DayRemembrance DayRemembrance Day is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth countries since the end of World War I to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty. This day, or alternative dates, are also recognized as special days for war remembrances in many non-Commonwealth...
- Remembrance SundayRemembrance SundayIn the United Kingdom, 'Remembrance Sunday' is held on the second Sunday in November, which is the Sunday nearest to 11 November Armistice Day. It is the anniversary of the end of hostilities in the First World War at 11 a.m...
- Veterans DayVeterans DayVeterans Day, formerly Armistice Day, is an annual United States holiday honoring military veterans. It is a federal holiday that is observed on November 11. It coincides with other holidays such as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other parts of the world and also mark...
- VolkstrauertagVolkstrauertagVolkstrauertag is a day of remembrance observed annually in Germany on the second from last Sunday before the first day of Advent. It commemorates all those who died in armed conflicts or as the victims of violent oppression...