Armed Forces Day – 2026

Armed Forces Day is on Saturday, May 16, 2026, and congregations of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod may commemorate the holiday during weekend worship services.

The LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces encourages congregations to give thanks to God for our nation’s military veterans, service personnel, chaplains and families who have faithfully answered the call to serve.

LCMS congregations may plan their commemorations with the help of free resources, including:

• Introduction letter

• Sermon by Chaplain (Major) Bobby Niemtschk, U. S. Army

• Bulletin inserts: General (Color)

• Bulletin inserts: General (Black-and-White)

• Bulletin inserts: Responsive Prayer and Ministry-By-Mail

Other 2026 celebrations

• Memorial Day is Monday, May 25, and may be commemorated on Sunday, May 24.

• Independence Day is Saturday, July 4, and may be commemorated on Sunday, July 5.

• Veterans Day is Wednesday, Nov. 11, and may be commemorated the preceding or following weekend.

• Any Saturday and/or Sunday of your choice.

For more information and resources, visit lcms.org/armedforces.