Military & Veteran Holiday Guide 2026

Federal holidays like Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Independence Day honor service and sacrifice. VA offices close on these dates. Many businesses offer discounts, free meals, and special events for active duty, Veterans, and families. This guide covers 2026 holiday dates, closures, Military Discounts, and observances.

Quick Facts

2026 Federal Holiday Calendar

VA offices, federal courts, and most government facilities are closed on federal holidays. The following dates apply for 2026 .

Note: Some federal employees receive “training holidays” or administrative leave around these dates, particularly in overseas commands .

Key Military Observances 2026

Not all military holidays are federal holidays. Armed Forces Day and many branch birthdays are observances, not days off .

Armed Forces Day – May 16, 2026

What it is: A day specifically set aside to honor the men and women currently serving in uniform—not Veterans, not the fallen, but the approximately 1.34 million active-duty service members on duty right now .

Who it honors: All six branches—Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force. National Guard and Reserve units typically observe Armed Forces Day over any period during May rather than on a fixed date .

Why it matters: Armed Forces Day is a celebration of living service members, not a day of mourning. Half-staff is not appropriate . It often gets overshadowed by Memorial Day, but the distinction matters—Memorial Day honors the fallen, Veterans Day honors those who served, and Armed Forces Day honors those currently serving .

What to do: Attend a local parade or base event. Check with local installations for ceremonies .

National Military Appreciation Month – May 2026

The entire month of May is designated as National Military Appreciation Month, culminating in Memorial Day. It includes:

• May 1 – Silver Star Banner Day

• May 8 – Military Spouse Appreciation Day

• May 13 – Children of Fallen Patriots Day

• May 16 – Armed Forces Day

• May 25 – Memorial Day 

Military Family Month – November 2026

November honors military families alongside Veterans Day. Also designated Warrior Care Month .

Branch Birthdays 2026

• Army Birthday – June 14 (251st) 

• Navy Birthday – October 13 

• Marine Corps Birthday – November 10 

• Coast Guard Birthday – August 4 

• Air Force Birthday – September 18 

• Space Force Birthday – December 20 

• National Guard Birthday – December 13 

Observances for Sacrifice and Service

• POW/MIA Recognition Day – September 19 

• Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day – September 27 

• Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day – December 7 

• Purple Heart Day – August 7 

• Korean War Veterans Armistice Day – July 27 

• Vietnam Veterans Day – March 29 

• National Day of the Deployed – October 26 

• National PTSD Awareness Day – June 27 

VA Facility Holiday Operations

VA medical centers, clinics, and administration offices are closed on federal holidays. The VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System lists closures for ambulatory clinics, surgery, administration, and outpatient clinics on all federal holidays .

What’s Closed

• VA outpatient clinics

• VA medical center administration offices

• VA regional benefits offices

• National cemeteries (administrative offices; cemeteries remain open for visitation)

What’s Open

• VA emergency rooms (24/7/365)

• Urgent care centers (check network providers)

• Veterans Crisis Line (988, press 1 – available 24/7)

Plan ahead: Refill prescriptions before holidays. Schedule non-urgent appointments around closures.

Military Discounts: 2026 Deals

Many restaurants and retailers offer military discounts year-round, with extra deals on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day. These discounts require proof of service (military ID, DD214, or ID.me verification). 

Year-Round Restaurant Discounts

Major Holiday Deals

Memorial Day Weekend 2026 (May 22–25) :

Independence Day 2026 (July 4 Weekend) :

Veterans Day 2026 (November 11):

Many restaurants offer free meals to Veterans on November 11. Check with local franchises as offers vary. Applebee’s, Olive Garden, and Texas Roadhouse typically participate. 

Retail and Attractions Discounts

Year-Round Retail:

• Home Depot – 10% military discount (maximum $400/year), verify via app or online 

• Eyemart Express – 20% off prescription eyewear 

• The Exchange (AAFES) – Tax-free shopping year-round; sales tax holidays in 17+ states 

• Pilot Flying J – 10% off food/beverage via app 

Attractions:

• Blue Star Museums – Free admission for active military and families (May 16 – Labor Day) at 2,000+ museums 

• Cincinnati Zoo – Free admission for military on Memorial Day, July 4, Veterans Day 

• Colonial Williamsburg – Free single-day admission in May for Military Appreciation Month 

• Gilroy Gardens – Free admission July 3–5 for active/retired military 

• Vail Resorts – Epic Military Pass starting at $215 for 2026/27 season 

• SeaWorld/Busch Gardens – Free annual admission for active-duty military and up to 3 family members 

Exchange Sales Tax Holidays

Army & Air Force Exchange Service shoppers can save double during sales tax holidays in more than 15 states. Military shoppers receive in-store discounts equal to their local sales tax rate, adding to everyday tax-free and military-exclusive pricing. 

States participating in 2026 back-to-school tax holidays include:

• Mississippi (started first)

• 17 states total through August 22 

Exchange birthday deals:

• Army’s 251st Birthday (June 12–18) – Up to $250 off MacBooks, $1,400 off LG TVs, 20% on tactical gear, extra 20% on American Eagle and Levi’s 

• MILITARY STAR cardmembers – Double points on in-store purchases June 14, $10 off $25 concessions, 15% off food at participating restaurants 

Holiday Scams and Fraud Protection

Scammers target Veterans and service members during holidays with fake charities and impersonation scams. 

Warning signs:

• Unsolicited calls or texts offering “free” benefits

• Requests for payment to “process” VA benefits (VA never charges fees)

• Fake charities using names similar to legitimate VSOs

• Pressure to act immediately

What to do:

• Verify charities at CharityNavigator.org or IRS.gov

• Only use VA.gov for benefit applications

• Never share personal information with unsolicited callers

How to Use Holiday Discounts

Most discounts require proof of service. Here’s what you need :

1. Military ID card – Active duty, Guard, Reserve, or retiree ID

2. Veteran ID card – Apply at VA.gov

3. DD214 – If no other ID available

4. ID.me verification – For online discounts (Target, Home Depot, Cracker Barrel, etc.) 

5. State-issued Veteran designation – Check with your state DMV

Tips for dining discounts :

• Ask before ordering if a military discount is available

• Some discounts require mentioning the offer when ordering

• Tipping is based on the pre-discount bill

Honoring Service: What to Do on Holidays

• Veterans Day – Thank a Veteran. Attend a local parade. Visit a VA medical center.

• Memorial Day – Observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time. Place flags on graves. Attend a ceremony.

• Armed Forces Day – Thank currently serving members. Visit a military installation open house.

• Gold Star Family Day – Reach out to families of the fallen.

• National Day of the Deployed – Connect with deployed service members and their families. 

Common Questions

Is the VA closed on Veterans Day?

Yes. VA medical centers, clinics, and administration offices are closed on Veterans Day. Emergency rooms remain open 24/7. Veterans Crisis Line is always available at 988 (press 1). 

What is Armed Forces Day?

Armed Forces Day honors the men and women currently serving in uniform. It falls on the third Saturday in May—May 16, 2026. Unlike Veterans Day, it’s a federal observance, not a public holiday, meaning no day off for most Americans. 

Does the VA close on Juneteenth?

Yes. Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19) is a federal holiday and VA offices are closed. 

What military discounts are available year-round?

Many restaurant chains offer year-round 10–15% discounts to active military and Veterans, including Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, Carrabba’s, Dave & Buster’s, and Home Depot (10%). Always ask before ordering. 

How do I get military discounts online?

Many retailers use ID.me for verification. Create an account, verify your military status, and the discount is automatically applied at participating sites (Target, Home Depot, Cracker Barrel). 

What is the Blue Star Museums program?

Blue Star Museums offers free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families at over 2,000 museums nationwide. The program runs from Armed Forces Day (May 16) through Labor Day. 

Do surviving spouses get military discounts?

Some discounts extend to immediate family members. Bonefish Grill extends its Heroes Discount to immediate family. Ask at each location. Many museums and attractions extend free admission to families. 

When are military branch birthdays in 2026?

• Army: June 14

• Navy: October 13

• Marine Corps: November 10

• Coast Guard: August 4

• Air Force: September 18

• Space Force: December 20 

What is Military Appreciation Month?

May is National Military Appreciation Month, honoring service members throughout the month with observances including Military Spouse Appreciation Day (May 8), Armed Forces Day (May 16), and Memorial Day (May 25). 

Does the Exchange offer special holiday sales?

Yes. The Exchange offers weeklong deals around military birthdays and major holidays. For the Army’s 251st birthday (June 12–18, 2026), deals include up to $1,400 off TVs, $250 off MacBooks, and 20% on tactical gear. MILITARY STAR cardmembers get double points. 

Key Takeaways

• VA offices are closed on all federal holidays—plan appointments and prescriptions ahead.

• Veterans Crisis Line is always available – 988 (press 1).

• Veterans Day is November 11, 2026 – free meals and discounts available at many restaurants.

• Armed Forces Day is May 16, 2026 – honors currently serving members.

• Memorial Day is May 25, 2026 – honors the fallen; discounts available all weekend.

• Military discounts are available year-round at many retailers and restaurants.

• ID.me verification unlocks online military discounts at Target, Home Depot, and more.

• Exchange sales tax holidays add state tax savings to military-exclusive pricing in 17+ states.

• Blue Star Museums offers free admission to 2,000+ museums for active military families.

• Check local and franchise participation – discounts vary by location.

Official Resources

• VA.gov – https://www.va.gov

• Veterans Crisis Line – https://www.veteranscrisisline.net (Call 988, press 1)

• VA Facility Locator – https://www.va.gov/find-locations

• The Exchange (AAFES) – https://www.shopmyexchange.com

• Blue Star Museums – https://www.arts.gov/initiatives/blue-star-museums

• Federal Holidays (OPM) – https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays

• Homes For Our Troops Observances – https://www.hfotusa.org/2026-military-observances-and-commemorative-dates

• U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims – https://www.uscourts.cavc.gov/events.php

Disclaimer: This article provides general information. Holiday schedules, discount availability, and participation may vary by location. Verify with local businesses and official sources before traveling or planning activities.