Forget Me Not Day

Categories:: Federal
Tags:: Appreciation Civic Military
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every November 10
Holiday emoji:: 🎗️

Forget Me Not Day, observed every November 10, is a solemn occasion to honor the profound sacrifices of returning soldiers and veterans. This day pays tribute to those who have lost blood and limbs in service, ensuring their contributions are never forgotten. Reflect on their bravery, connect with veteran support groups, and find ways to give back to military families.

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Expected Forget Me Not Day Deals

For Forget Me Not Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to profound appreciation and support for veterans. Organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) often run special campaigns to aid injured service members. Businesses such as Home Depot and Lowe’s, known for their year-round military discounts, may highlight veteran employment programs. Many companies encourage customers to round up purchases for veteran charities or offer special recognition events. We will update this page with confirmed live support initiatives as November 10 approaches.

Platform Guide for Forget Me Not Day

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #ForgetMeNotDay. Share stories of veteran heroes or highlight organizations supporting injured service members.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #ForgetMeNotDay. Post tributes to veterans and share resources for military families and caregivers.

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #ForgetMeNotDay. Discuss veteran employment initiatives, professional development programs, and support networks for those transitioning to civilian life.

Forget Me Not Day Hero

John McCrae

John McCrae (1872–1918) was a Canadian poet, physician, and soldier during World War I. He is best known for writing the poignant war poem 'In Flanders Fields,' which became one of the most famous poems of the war. McCrae served as a brigade surgeon and was deeply affected by the immense loss of life, particularly after witnessing the death of a friend. His poem, published in 1915, vividly captured the somber landscape of the battlefield and the enduring call to remember those who fell, resonating deeply with the themes of remembrance central to Forget Me Not Day.

History of Forget Me Not Day

Forget-me-nots are the tiny blue meadow flowers that are incredibly symbolic. From the loss of loved ones to simply missing a childhood friend, the flowers have become synonymous with feelings of missing and longing. In New Zealand, Forget Me Not Day is dedicated to those afflicted with, or who have lost loved ones due to the cognitive degenerative Alzheimer’s disease. And while there are some versions of Forget Me Not Day that celebrate this sort of loss or reconnecting with long-lost loved ones, this Forget Me Not day, we focus on something different, but also important.

Forget Me Not Day as we know it was established following World War I, when Judge Robert S. Marx, himself a WWI veteran, declared the holiday in honor of veterans who had suffered physical losses in the line of battle — those who had lost limbs, blood, and other integral body parts. Along with the holiday, Marx inaugurated the tradition of selling the popular forget-me-not flowers, repurposing them to raise money for wounded veterans.

Whatever reason you choose to recognize Forget Me Not Day, don’t forget the pretty blue flowers! Your contributions in buying those will surely go to one of a laundry list of good causes that receive support from flower sales each year.

Forget Me Not Day timeline

1921

Forget Me Not Day Established

Judge Robert S. Marx founds the holiday to raise awareness of wounded World War I soldiers and the sacrifices they made.

1949

Forget-Me-Nots Become a State Flower

Alaska chooses the recognizable petals as its state flower.

2003

A Different Forget Me Not Day Established

New Zealand launches its own Forget Me Not Day every June 5 and 6 to raise Alzheimer’s disease awareness.

February 27, 2011

Last WWI Veteran Passes

Frank Buckles, the U.S.’s last WWI veteran passed away at the age of 110.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Forget Me Not Day

Local businesses can genuinely honor Forget Me Not Day by partnering with veteran support organizations for donation drives or awareness campaigns throughout November. Restaurants might offer special meals or discounts for veterans and their families, creating a welcoming atmosphere for remembrance. Retailers could highlight products made by veteran-owned businesses or dedicate a portion of sales to charities like the Wounded Warrior Project. Service-based businesses could offer pro bono services or special rates to veterans, demonstrating tangible support for their sacrifices and ongoing well-being.

Forget Me Not Day FAQs

When is Forget Me Not Day?

Forget Me Not Day 2026 falls on a Tuesday, November 10, offering a mid-week opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of service members.

What is the origin of Forget Me Not Day?

Forget Me Not Day originated during World War I, serving as a time to remember soldiers who suffered injuries or lost their lives in battle. It’s a solemn reminder of the profound cost of freedom.

How many veterans are there in the United States?

As of 2026, there are approximately 17 million veterans in the United States, representing a diverse group of individuals who have served across various conflicts and eras.

Is Forget Me Not Day a federal holiday?

No, Forget Me Not Day is not a federal holiday, though it shares the month of November with Veterans Day, a recognized federal observance. It is a day of informal remembrance.

FORGET ME NOT DAY ACTIVITIES

Buy a bunch of forget-me-nots
The pretty blue flowers are associated with lost loved ones and their memory. This Forget Me Not Day, buy a bunch and offer them to a disabled vet near you.
Donate to a veteran-supporting charity
What better way to say thank you to the vets who have made sacrifices than by supporting organizations that support them? If you can’t donate, you can also volunteer to show your support.
Spread the word
The general public is tragically ill-informed about Forget Me Not Day. Spread the word on social media or within your immediate circle to bring awareness to this incredible holiday.

5 AMAZING FACTS ABOUT WORLD WAR I

The bombs were crazy loud
A Belgian battlefield explosion was said to have been heard over 140 miles away in England.
It was great for mail services
It’s estimated that over 12 million letters were delivered to soldiers each week.
It inspired the young to take action
The youngest WWI soldier was a 12-year-old British boy.
Dogs were loyal servants
Dogs were used to transport letters and orders to the frontlines; they also laid telegraph lines.
It launched plastic surgery
WWI doctors were early pioneers in facial reconstruction after treating victims of shrapnel damage.

WHY FORGET ME NOT DAY IS IMPORTANT

Our veterans risk their lives overseas
It’s easy to think about those who lost their lives in the line of battle, however, we don’t think of those who have lost their limbs but returned from war alive as often. Forget Me Not Day reminds us of the sacrifices living veterans have made and, in some cases, still continue to make.
Veterans can suffer numerous setbacks upon their return to civilian life
Just because a soldier returns home does not mean he or she will have an easy transition to civilian life. The loss of limbs or severe mental distress, such as PTSD, can cause setbacks and handicaps they must overcome after the military. Forget Me Not Day brings awareness to the less celebratory side of returning from war.
It’s a great way to give back
Not everyone is cut out for military service, however, that doesn’t mean we can’t support our country and those that fight for it. Observing Forget Me Not Day is an excellent way to pay homage to and thank those who do go out and risk their lives, and who have suffered in the process.