Armed Forces Day 2026
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About Armed Forces Day 2026
Armed Forces Day 2026 falls on Saturday, May 16. It is an observance rather than a public holiday, so businesses, schools and government offices keep regular hours.
Armed Forces Day, the third Saturday in May, honors the men and women currently serving in the U.S. military. It is a national observance, not a federal holiday, so nothing closes beyond a normal Saturday schedule.
History, state-by-state rules and dates →
What's closed: U.S. Post Office (USPS) — open; Banks — varies; Stock market (NYSE, Nasdaq) — closed; Federal offices — closed; State and local government — closed. Full what's-open guide →
Armed Forces Day in other years
| Year | Date | Day | Observed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | May 16, 2026 | Saturday | — |
| 2027 | May 15, 2027 | Saturday | — |
Holidays after Armed Forces Day 2026
- May 25, 2026 Memorial Day 2026 (Monday)
- Jun 19, 2026 Juneteenth National Independence Day 2026 (Friday)
- Jul 4, 2026 Independence Day 2026 (Saturday)
- Sep 7, 2026 Labor Day 2026 (Monday)
- Oct 12, 2026 Columbus Day 2026 (Monday)
Other holidays in May 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 4 | Mon | Rhode Island Independence Day | State holiday |
| May 5 | Tue | Cinco de Mayo | Observance |
| May 5 | Tue | Primary Election Day | State holiday |
| May 8 | Fri | Truman Day | State holiday |
| May 10 | Sun | Mother's Day | Observance |
| May 12 | Tue | Primary Election Day | State holiday |
| May 25 | Mon | Memorial Day | Federal holiday |
Quick facts
- Date in 2026
- Saturday, May 16, 2026
- Date rule
- Third Saturday in May, set by annual presidential proclamation
- Legal status
- National observance; not a federal holiday
- First observed
- May 20, 1950, under the theme Teamed for Defense
- Created by
- Defense Secretary Louis Johnson in 1949, consolidating separate service days
- Honors
- Those currently serving in the U.S. armed forces
Frequently asked questions
What day is Armed Forces Day in 2026?
Armed Forces Day 2026 is on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Is Armed Forces Day a day off in 2026?
Armed Forces Day is an observance, not a public holiday, so offices, schools and businesses keep normal hours unless they choose otherwise.
How many days until Armed Forces Day 2026?
Armed Forces Day 2026 was 167 days ago, on May 16, 2026.