History of Armed Forces Day in Timeline

Armed Forces Day, or its branch-specific versions like Army Day and Navy Day, is a holiday celebrating a nation's armed forces, their personnel, history, and sacrifices. Often patriotic, it extends beyond military circles into wider society. Many countries observe this day, which is usually separate from Veterans or Memorial Day.

1906: Establishment of Army and Navy Commemoration Days

The Empire of Japan established Army Commemoration Day in 1906 to celebrate the victory in the Battle of Mukden and Navy Commemoration Day to celebrate the victory in the Battle of Tsushima.

1915: Landings at Anzac Cove

On 25 April 1915, Australian and New Zealand forces landed at Anzac Cove, marking the beginning of the Gallipoli campaign in World War I. This event is now commemorated as ANZAC Day.

1917: Creation of the Mexican Armed Forces

The Mexican Armed Forces were created by decree in 1917.

1917: Sinking of the SS Mendi

The SS Mendi, carrying South African forces, sank in 1917, resulting in a major loss for the South African military.

November 1918: Issuing of First Lithuanian Army Laws

Lithuanian Armed Forces Day is observed on November 23rd, in remembrance of the enactment of the first army regulations in 1918 during the Lithuanian–Soviet War.

November 1918: Italian Victory in World War I

On November 4, 1918, Austria-Hungary agreed to a ceasefire with Italy, marking the end of World War I on the Italian front. This event is commemorated as Giorno delle Forze Armate (Armed Forces Day).

1918: Finnish Civil War

The Finnish Civil War, where the Whites fought against the Reds, took place in 1918.

1918: Formation of the Soviet Union Armed Forces

The modern armed forces of the Soviet Union were formed on February 23, 1918. This day is celebrated in Russia as Defender of the Fatherland Day.

1919: Day of the War People's flag fest

From 1919 to 1939, Finland celebrated the Day of the War People's flag fest on May 16th to commemorate the victory of the Whites over the Reds in the Finnish Civil War of 1918.

1919: Unification of Latvian Brigades

Latvian National Armed Forces Day is celebrated on July 10th, marking the unification of the Independent and North Latvian brigades under General Dāvids Sīmansons in 1919.

1920: Poland's Victory at the Battle of Warsaw

On this date, Poland achieved a significant victory against Soviet Russia at the Battle of Warsaw during the Polish-Soviet War. This event later led to the establishment of Święto Wojska Polskiego.

1920: Opening of the Venezuelan Air Force Academy

The Venezuelan Air Force Academy in Maracay opened in 1920.

January 1921: Activation of the Iraqi Army

The Iraqi Army was activated on January 6, 1921. This event marked a significant step towards Iraq's independence and sovereignty.

March 1921: Sükhbaatar's victory

In March 1921, Sükhbaatar's troops, despite being outnumbered, successfully captured a strategically important town, marking a turning point in Mongolia's fight for independence.

1923: Establishment of Święto Wojska Polskiego

In 1923, Poland established Święto Wojska Polskiego (Polish Armed Forces Day) to commemorate the anniversary of Poland's 1920 victory over Soviet Russia at the Battle of Warsaw.

1927: Nanchang Uprising

The Nanchang Uprising, which marked the founding of the People's Liberation Army, took place in 1927. This event is significant in Chinese history as it marked the beginning of the CCP's armed struggle.

1932: Formation of the Revolutionary Army

The Revolutionary Army, predecessor to the KPA, was officially formed in the spring of 1932.

June 1933: Establishment of PLA Day

In June 1933, the Central Committee for Military Revolutionary Cases of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) decided to make August 1st an annual holiday to commemorate the founding of the People's Liberation Army.

1933: Formation of the Royal Malay Regiment

The first companies of the Royal Malay Regiment, which would form the basis of the modern Malaysian Armed Forces, were raised in 1933.

1935: Establishment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

The Armed Forces of the Philippines were officially founded on December 21, 1935, according to the National Defense Act of 1935.

1936: Founding of the Venezuelan National Guard

The Venezuelan National Guard was founded in 1936.

1939: End of Day of the War People's flag fest

Finland's Day of the War People's flag fest was discontinued after 1939.

1941: Death of José Quiñones Gonzales

Peruvian Air Force Lieutenant José Quiñones Gonzales died in 1941 during the Ecuadorian–Peruvian War.

August 1943: Formation of the Mirče Acev Battalion

North Macedonia celebrates Day of Macedonian Army on August 18th, commemorating the formation of the Mirče Acev battalion, the first organized battalion to fight against Axis forces in World War II, in August 1943.

1943: Battle of Lenino

The Battle of Lenino took place on this date during World War II. This event was later commemorated by Poland during the communist era.

1944: Romanian Land Forces Recapture Carei

On 25 October 1944, the Romanian Land Forces liberated Carei, the last Romanian city under joint German–Hungarian occupation, marking a significant event in Romanian history and leading to the establishment of Armed Forces Day.

1944: Foundation of the People's Army of Vietnam

People's Army Day is celebrated in Vietnam on December 22nd, marking the founding of the People's Army of Vietnam in 1944.

1945: End of Army and Navy Commemoration Days

Following Japan's defeat in World War II in 1945, both Army Commemoration Day and Navy Commemoration Day were abolished.

1945: Victory over Japan Day

Taiwan celebrates Armed Forces Day and Victory over Japan Day on September 3rd to commemorate the victory over Japan in 1945.

1945: Burmese Resistance Against Japanese Occupation

The Burmese army initiated its resistance against Japanese occupation in 1945, a pivotal moment in Burma's struggle for independence during World War II.

1945: Formation of Tentara Keamanan Rakyat

The Tentara Keamanan Rakyat, the precursor to the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), was established in 1945, replacing the Badan Keamanan Rakyat.

1946: First Celebration of Venezuelan Air Force Day

Venezuela began celebrating Air Force Day on 10 December in 1946.

1947: Discontinuation of Święto Wojska Polskiego

During the communist era, Poland discontinued Święto Wojska Polskiego in 1947, replacing it with a celebration on 12 October to commemorate the anniversary of the 1943 Battle of Lenino.

July 1948: Reformation of Citizen Military Forces in Australia

On 1 July 1948, Australia marked the reformation of the Citizen Military Forces after World War II.

1948: Creation of the Korean People's Army

The Korean People's Army (KPA) was founded in 1948, marking a significant development in North Korea's military history.

1948: Proclamation of the State of Israel

The Proclamation of the State of Israel occurred on May 14, 1948, establishing Israel as an independent nation. This event holds immense historical significance for Israel and the Jewish people.

January 1949: Creation of the Independent Lao Army

The independent Lao army was created in January 1949, marking a significant step towards Laos's independence and the growing influence of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party.

August 1949: Creation of Armed Forces Day

President Harry S. Truman led efforts to establish a single holiday to honor the military, leading to the creation of Armed Forces Day in August 1949.

May 1950: First Armed Forces Day in the United States

The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated in May 1950 with parades and other events.

1950: South Korean Forces Break Through 38th Parallel

Armed Forces Day in South Korea is celebrated on October 1st, commemorating the day South Korean forces broke through the 38th parallel in 1950 during the Korean War.

1950: Establishment of Mexican Armed Forces Day

Mexican Armed Forces Day was first celebrated in 1950.

1956: Granma Landing

The Granma landing, a pivotal event in Cuban history, took place in 1956.

April 1960: Establishment of the Somali Armed Forces

The Somali Armed Forces were founded in April 1960.

1960: Establishment of Mauritanian Armed Forces Day

President Moktar Ould Daddah established Armed Forces Day in Mauritania in 1960 as a professional holiday, replacing separate branch holidays.

1961: Formation of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces

On May 31, 1961, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces were officially established.

1963: Formation of Malaysia

Malaysia was formed on September 16, 1963. This event marked a significant moment in Southeast Asian history, leading to the creation of a new nation.

1965: Armed Forces Day of South Vietnam Established

The Armed Forces Day of South Vietnam was celebrated from 1965 to 1974 on June 19th.

1966: Establishment of Self-Defense Forces Day

Japan established Self-Defense Forces Day in 1966 to celebrate the foundation of the Japan Self-Defense Forces following World War II.

1969: Singapore Armed Forces Day Established

Singapore Armed Forces Day was first celebrated in 1969, marking the anniversary of Singapore's separation from Malaysia.

January 1970: End of the Nigerian Civil War and Change of Armed Forces Day

In January 1970, the Nigerian Civil War ended with the surrender of Biafran troops. This date then became Armed Forces Day in Nigeria, replacing the previous date of 11 November.

1971: Bangladesh Liberation War

The Bangladesh Liberation War, which took place in 1971, involved a joint operation by the Bangladeshi Army, Navy, and Air Force against the Pakistani forces. This war ultimately led to Bangladesh's independence.

1973: Yom Kippur War

The Yom Kippur War began on 6 October 1973. The Egyptian Army successfully crossed the Suez Canal, leading to the capture of the Bar Lev Line.

1974: End of Armed Forces Day of South Vietnam

The Armed Forces Day of South Vietnam ceased to be celebrated after 1974.

1978: Establishment of Colombian Army Day

President Alfonso López Michelsen issued a decree in 1978 that established August 7th as Army Day in Colombia.

1978: Establishment of Día de las Fuerzas Armadas

Spain began observing Día de las Fuerzas Armadas in 1978 as a military celebration.

1979: Establishment of Rouz-e Artesh

Rouz-e Artesh (Army Day) in Iran was established in 1979 by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, following the Iranian Revolution. This day is marked by military parades and celebrations, showcasing Iran's military strength.

1987: Día de las Fuerzas Armadas Becomes Public Celebration

In 1987, Spain moved Día de las Fuerzas Armadas to the Saturday closest to May 30th, the feast day of Saint Ferdinand, King, and transitioned the celebration into a more public event.

1987: Rededication Ceremonies Introduced

Starting in 1987, rededication ceremonies for Singapore Armed Forces Day were introduced across Singapore.

1991: Foundation of the Defense Forces of Georgia

The Defense Forces of Georgia were established in 1991. This event holds significant importance for Georgia's sovereignty and national security.

May 1992: Founding of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan established its armed forces in May 1992. This event marked a crucial step in Kazakhstan's journey as an independent nation.

1992: Revival of Święto Wojska Polskiego

After the fall of communism, Poland revived Święto Wojska Polskiego in 1992.

1992: Second Venezuelan Coup D'état Attempt

The Venezuelan Air Force played a role in the second coup d'état attempt in 1992.

1992: Formation of the Armenian Armed Forces

The armed forces of the newly independent Armenia were formed in 1992.

1993: Establishment of Armed Forces Day in Ukraine

In 1993, Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada passed a resolution establishing 6 December as Armed Forces Day.

1993: Formation of the Armed Forces of Tajikistan

The Armed Forces of Tajikistan were formed on February 23, 1993, marked by Tajik National Army Day.

1993: Reconstitution of the South African National Defence Force

The South African Defence Force was reconstituted into its current form in 1993.

1995: Operation Storm

Croatia celebrates Victory and Homeland Defenders Day on August 5th to commemorate Operation Storm in 1995.

April 1996: Military Foundation Day Declared a National Holiday

In April 1996, North Korea's Central People's Committee declared Military Foundation Day, celebrated on February 8th, a national holiday, allowing both military personnel and civilians to commemorate the Korean People's Army.

1998: First Reserve Forces Day in Australia

Australia celebrated its first Reserve Forces Day in 1998 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the reformation of the Citizen Military Forces.

April 2002: Establishment of Canadian Armed Forces Day

The House of Commons passed a motion in April 2002, leading to the establishment of Canadian Armed Forces Day.

2003: Military Parades on Jubilee Years

Military parades were held on Armed Forces Day in Tajikistan on jubilee years, such as 2003 and 2013.

2006: First Military Parade for Cuban Armed Forces Day

The first military parade to celebrate Cuban Armed Forces Day was held in 2006.

2006: First Veterans' Day in the UK

This date marks the first time the UK celebrated Veteran's Day, which was later replaced by Armed Forces Day.

June 2009: First Armed Forces Day in the United Kingdom

The first Armed Forces Day in the United Kingdom was celebrated on 27 June 2009, replacing Veterans' Day which was first observed in 2006.

July 2009: Isle of Man's First Armed Forces Day

The Isle of Man, a Crown Dependency, celebrated its first Armed Forces Day on 26 July 2009.

2009: 2009 Armed Forces Day Celebration at Chatham Historic Dockyard

The UK held their 2009 Armed Forces Day celebration at the Chatham Historic Dockyard, a former Royal Navy base.

2009: Last Celebration of Venezuelan Air Force Day on 10 December

The last time Venezuela celebrated Air Force Day on 10 December was in 2009.

2010: Victory and Remembrance Day Parades Begin

From 2010 onwards, Sri Lanka's armed services began holding parades on Victory and Remembrance Day (May 18) to honor those who served in the Sri Lankan Civil War.

2010: 2010 Armed Forces Day Celebration in Cardiff

The 2010 UK Armed Forces Day was centered on Cardiff.

2010: Change of Venezuelan Air Force Day Date

Venezuela changed the date of Air Force Day to 27 November in 2010.

2011: 2011 Armed Forces Day Celebration in Edinburgh

The 2011 UK Armed Forces Day was centered on Edinburgh.

2012: Nationwide Parades for Armed Forces Day

South Africa began celebrating Armed Forces Day with nationwide parades in 2012.

2012: 2012 Armed Forces Day Celebration in Plymouth

The 2012 UK Armed Forces Day was centered on Plymouth and took place on 30 June, with smaller events held throughout the UK. The Isle of Man held its event on 24 June.

2013: Military Parades on Jubilee Years

Military parades were held on Armed Forces Day in Tajikistan on jubilee years, such as 2003 and 2013.

2015: People's Revolutionary Army Day Established

In 2015, People's Revolutionary Army Day was established to honor the KPA and its veterans.

2016: Armed Forces Week and Day

In 2016, the fourth of May fell on a Sunday, impacting the dates of Armed Forces Week and Day.

January 2017: Diamond Jubilee of the Granma Landing

The diamond jubilee of the 1956 Granma landing was marked in January 2017 with a military parade.

May 2017: 70th Anniversary of the Department of Defense

President Donald Trump marked the 70th anniversary of the Department of Defense on Armed Forces Day in May 2017.

2017: Commemoration of the SS Mendi Tragedy

In 2017, South Africa's Armed Forces Day began also honoring those lost in the 1917 sinking of the SS Mendi.

June 2018: Scarborough Selected to Host 2020 Armed Forces Day

In June 2018, the UK's Ministry of Defence selected Scarborough as the host city for the 2020 Armed Forces Day.

2018: Air Show at CFB Borden

CFB Borden organized an air show for Canadian Armed Forces Day in 2018.

May 2020: First Armed Forces Day Honoring the US Space Force

Armed Forces Day in May 2020 marked the first time the newly formed United States Space Force was honored.

June 2020: 2020 Armed Forces Day Moves to Virtual Format

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 UK Armed Forces Day, initially planned as a large-scale event in Scarborough, transitioned into a virtual event.

2020: King Vajiralongkorn Attends Armed Forces Day Parade

In 2020, King Vajiralongkorn attended the Royal Thai Armed Forces Day parade for the first time as Chief of the Armed Forces.

2020: 2020 Armed Forces Day in Scarborough

The 2020 UK Armed Forces Day was planned to be held in Scarborough but became a virtual event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021: 2021 Armed Forces Day in Scarborough

After the cancellation of the in-person 2020 event due to the pandemic, Scarborough hosted the UK Armed Forces Day in 2021.

2021: 100th Anniversary of the Iraqi Army

In 2021, the Iraqi Army celebrated its 100th anniversary. This significant milestone highlighted the evolution and growth of the Iraqi Army over a century.