National Yellow Bat Day

Categories:: Federal
Tags:: American Historical Military
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every April 21
Holiday emoji:: 🎖️

National Yellow Bat Day commemorates the activation of the 265th Army Security Agency Company (Airborne) every April 21. This day recognizes the unit’s vital role and its support from the esteemed 101st Airborne Division. Learn about their history, share stories of service, and support military families.

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Expected National Yellow Bat Day Deals

For National Yellow Bat Day, appreciation programs often focus on military personnel and veterans. While specific 2027 promotions are anticipated, look for extended military discounts from retailers like Lowe’s and The Home Depot, which offer year-round savings for service members. Restaurants such as Applebee’s and Texas Roadhouse may feature special offers or free meals for veterans and active-duty personnel. Organizations like the USO and Fisher House Foundation often receive increased donations or partner with brands for matching gift campaigns. Veteran-owned businesses, including apparel brands and service providers, may highlight their military roots and offer exclusive deals. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as April 21 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Yellow Bat Day

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalYellowBatDay. Share historical facts about the 265th ASA Company or the 101st Airborne Division.

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #MilitaryRecognition. Post about career opportunities for veterans or the importance of military intelligence.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #YellowBatDay. Share stories of military service or support pages for airborne divisions and intelligence units.

National Yellow Bat Day Hero

Major General Maxwell D. Taylor

Major General Maxwell D. Taylor was a key figure in the 101st Airborne Division, commanding it during World War II. His leadership helped establish the division's legendary reputation, which later supported specialized units like the 265th ASA Company. Taylor's vision for airborne forces significantly shaped modern military strategy and the capabilities of units operating within the airborne framework.

History of National Yellow Bat Day

National Yellow Bat Day is commemorated every year on April 21. The Army Security Agency used to be an intelligence branch of the United States Army. It gathered intelligence, provided Army communication security, and carried out all the electronic countermeasure operations.

Later on, it merged with a part of the Army, which focused on military intelligence, to build the United States Army Intelligence and Security Command. The 265th Army Security Agency was one of the units of the ASA called Airborne. The 265th Army Security Agency was also part of the 101st Airborne Division. After being established, this Army was activated in Fort Campbell on April 21, 1967. During the Vietnam War, one of the advanced units of this division was deployed in Vietnam.

The symbol of the 265th ASA Company is a bat. When we searched for the reason behind them choosing a bat as a symbol, we found out that bats represent secrecy and mystery, therefore it is perfect for representing an agency that performs surveillance and provides intelligence support.

To be successful, the members of the unit should possess the qualities of a bat to follow their motto “Through the Night”. The contributions made by the 265th Radio Research Company (RRC) were not made public for decades since the services rendered by them were classified. Doug Bonnot, who was a member of the 265th RRC, declared National Yellow Bat Day in 2016.

National Yellow Bat Day timeline

1945–1967

The Army Security Agency

The Army Security Agency provides intelligence and communications operations for the Army.

March 2, 1967

Constitution

The 265th Army Security Agency is constituted.

April 21, 1967

Activation

The 265th Army Security Agency is activated at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

1977

Amalgamation

The 265th Army joins another Army component to form the United States Army Intelligence and Security Command.

National Yellow Bat Day FAQs

When is National Yellow Bat Day?

In 2027, National Yellow Bat Day will be observed on Wednesday, April 21, continuing the tradition of honoring this specialized military unit.

What was the mission of the 265th Army Security Agency Company?

Operating within the broader framework of the Army Security Agency, the 265th Company’s mission focused on tactical intelligence gathering. This involved deploying alongside combat units to collect vital information, ensuring battlefield awareness and enhancing operational effectiveness.

What is the significance of the 101st Airborne Division?

Recognized globally for its rapid deployment and air assault capabilities, the 101st Airborne Division has consistently adapted to modern warfare challenges. Its enduring legacy of valor and strategic importance continues to inspire and support specialized units like the 265th ASA Company.

Is National Yellow Bat Day a federal holiday?

No, National Yellow Bat Day is not a federally recognized public holiday where businesses or government offices close. It serves as a special day of remembrance and honor within military communities and among those who support them.

How to Celebrate National Yellow Bat Day

Read a memoir written by Doug Bonnot
On this important day, read the memoir written by the person who declared the National Yellow Bat Day — “The Sentinel and the Shooter”.
Watch films about the Vietnam War
Watch movies about the Vietnam War to understand the events of that time. You can also watch the documentary, “Vietnam: A Television History” or the “The Vietnam War”.
Explore some pictures and other information
If you would like to know more about the Yellow Bat unit, you can explore photos and information on their website.

5 Interesting Facts About The National Yellow Bat Day

The Motto of the Army Security Agency
The motto of the Army Security Agency in Latin was ‘Semper Vigilis,’ which means ‘always be vigilant.’
It dates back to World War I
The Army Security Agency dates back to World War I, and it was the successor to Army signal intelligence operations.
The presence of ASA around the world
The members of the ASA were placed at different locations around the world, wherever there was a presence of the United States military.
ASA’s occupational specialties
The ASA military working specialties included voice intercept operators.
The ASA was a Cold War operation
During the majority of its occupational years from 1945 to 1978, the ASA was a Cold War operation.

Why National Yellow Bat Day is Important

It honors the amazing work of the American Security Agency
The ASA observed and interpreted the military communications of the Soviet Union, China, and their allies around the world.
The 256th Army Security Agency comprised professionally trained personnel
This day reminds us that the American Security Agency was composed of soldiers who were trained in military intelligence and used high-quality techniques to monitor and interpret military communications.
We are proud of the fact that the operations of the ASA helped in stopping the creation of nuclear weapons
With the help of the ASA’s operations, the USA was able to discover the offensive nuclear weapons in Cuba, after which the USA demanded their removal.