The Department of Defense (DOD) celebrates several special observances and awareness months 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. For more information about DoD special observances and awareness months, please visit DEOMI's website.
May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month!
Learn about this month's poster.
Resources
|
Observance
|
Date
|
Authorization
|
2023 Theme / Link to DoD Official Memo
|
|
Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday
|
16 January 2023
|
Public Law 98-144
|
Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On, Not a Day Off!
|
|
National African American/Black History Month
|
1-28 February 2023
|
Public Law 99-244
|
Inspiring Change
|
|
Women’s History Month
|
1-31 March 2023
|
Public Law 100-9
|
Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories
|
|
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
|
1-30 April 2023
|
DoD Directive 6495.01
|
Step Forward. Prevent. Report. Advocate. (Read the FY22 Report)
|
|
Holocaust Remembrance Day
Days of Remembrance
|
18 April 2023
16-23 April 2023
|
Public Law 96-388
|
Behind Every Name A Story: The Women
|
|
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
|
1-31 May 2023
|
Title 36, U.S. Code, Section 102
|
Advancing Leaders through Opportunity
|
|
Pride Month
|
1-30 June 2023
|
Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD P&R) Directive
|
|
|
Juneteenth
|
19 June 2023
|
Public Law 117-17
|
|
|
Women’s Equality Day
|
26 August 2023
|
Public Law 93-105
|
|
|
National Hispanic Heritage Month
|
15 September-15 October 2023
|
Title 36, U.S. Code, Section 126
|
|
|
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
|
1-31 October 2023
|
Title 36, U.S. Code, Section 121
|
|
|
National American Indian Heritage Month
|
1-30 November 2023
|
Public Law 103-462
|
|
PLEASE NOTE: NDU lists only observances directed by the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD P&R) and as established by law, bill, or resolution of Congress. Nothing precludes an organization from creating their own theme or using previously published themes. Organizations are not required to limit their special observances to just those reflected here. 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.