The Department of Defense (DOD) celebrates eight ethnic observances annually in support of Joint Congressional Resolution, Presidential Proclamation, and achievements of all groups that comprise the society of the United States. Since 1968, the Department of Defense (DOD) has supported ethnic observances through the development of local programs of recognition and many diverse activities. Activities are designed to enhance cross-cultural awareness and promote harmony among all military members, their families, and the civilian work force. These activities are extensions of the equal opportunity education and training objectives. They are set aside to recognize the achievements and contributions made by members of specific minority groups, women, and individuals with disability in our society. The focus of the observance should be directed towards encouraging interaction and not just recognition.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Resources
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Observance
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Date
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Authorization
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2022 Theme / Link to DoD Official Memo
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Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday
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17 January 2022
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Public Law 98-144
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Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On, Not a Day Off!
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National African American/Black History Month
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1-28 February 2022
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Public Law 99-244
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Black Health and Wellness
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Women’s History Month
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1-31 March 2022
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Public Law 100-9
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Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope
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Sexual Assault Awareness Month
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1-30 April 2022
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DoD Directive 6495.01
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STEP FORWARD. Prevent. Report. Advocate
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Holocaust Remembrance Day
Days of Remembrance
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28 April 2022
24 April - 1 May 2022
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Public Law 96-388
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Determination, Hope & Honor
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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
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1-31 May 2022
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Title 36, U.S. Code, Section 102
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Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration
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Pride Month
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1-30 June 2022
Pride at the Pentagon: 7 June, 0930
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Presidential proclamation (historically published the beginning of June)
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2022 Presidential Proclamation
All Together: Pride at the Pentagon Event (via DVIDS)
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Women’s Equality Day
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26 August 2022
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Joint Resolution of Congress, 1971 and Presidential Proclamation
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Follow Your Yellow Brick Road
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National Hispanic Heritage Month
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15 September-15 October 2022
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Title 36, U.S. Code, Section 126
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Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation
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National Disability Employment Awareness Month
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1-31 October 2022
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Title 36, U.S. Code, Section 121
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Disability: Part of the Equity Equation
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National American Indian Heritage Month
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1-30 November 2022
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Public Law 102-188, Executive Order 13270 and Presidential Proclamation
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PLEASE NOTE: NDU lists only observances established by law, bill, or resolution of Congress or DoD Directive or Instruction. Organizations are reminded that special observances are conducted to recognize the continuous achievements of all Americans to American culture and to increase awareness, mutual respect, and understanding. They are designed to enhance cross-cultural and cross-gender awareness and promote harmony among all military members, their families, and the DOD civilian workforce. For more information about DoD special observance, please visit https://www.defenseculture.mil/