For many uniformed service couples, celebrating a service birthday is more than marking a date on the calendar. Birthday balls, ceremonies, traditions, and gatherings have long been important parts of service life, shared with spouses and families.

For a surviving spouse, the loss of a loved one can also mean unexpectedly losing some of those traditions and connections to the military community. A birthday celebration that was once a special evening together might suddenly raise a different question: Where is my place now?

Some surviving spouses continue to attend service birthday celebrations, while others might find it difficult to return or wonder where they will fit in. Finding the right organization, unit, installation, or group can provide an opportunity to reconnect. Sometimes it simply takes time to once again find “a place at the table.” Remembering and celebrating a spouse’s service birthday can be a small, meaningful way to maintain that connection and continue the tradition that was once shared.

[SURVIVING SPOUSE CORNER: Strengthening Emotional Well-Being]

Many of you know that Nov. 10 is the Marine Corps’ birthday — complete with ceremonies, cake cutting, and “Happy Birthday, Marine!” But what about the other branches? Each service has its own special day, full of history, traditions, and pride. Here’s when and why they celebrate — and how long they’ve been serving our nation.

Army: The nation’s oldest military branch was established on June 14, 1775, a year before the Declaration of Independence. The Continental Congress created the Continental Army to coordinate the colonies' military efforts against Great Britain during the Revolutionary War. Today, the Army celebrates its birthday with ceremonies, historical displays, and, of course, cake.

Navy: Just months after the Army was formed, the Continental Congress authorized the purchase of ships to disrupt British supply lines — a move that marked Oct. 13, 1775, as the Navy’s official birthday. Though the Navy was disbanded after the Revolution, it was reestablished in 1794. The modern Navy celebrates with fleet-wide observances, balls, and heritage events.

[SURVIVING SPOUSE CORNER: The Value of Connection]

Marine Corps: Formed at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia (yes, a real tavern), the Continental Marines were established on Nov. 10, 1775, as naval infantry. The date was restored as the official birthday in 1921 by Marine Corps Order No. 47. Marines worldwide honor it with a traditional cake-cutting ceremony, a reading of the 1921 order, and a birthday message from the commandant.

Air Force: While airpower existed before World War II, it wasn’t until the National Security Act of 1947 that the U.S. Air Force became a separate branch, distinct from the Army Air Forces. The Air Force celebrates Sept. 18 with base events, flyovers, and heritage displays.

Coast Guard: The Coast Guard traces its origins to the Revenue Cutter Service, established on Aug. 4, 1790, by Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton to enforce tariffs and prevent smuggling. Over time, it merged with the U.S. Life-Saving Service to form today’s Coast Guard — a unique organization that serves both military and law enforcement roles.

Space Force: The newest branch of the armed forces was established on Dec. 20, 2019, when the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act was signed into law. The Space Force organizes, trains, and equips forces to protect U.S. interests in space. Its birthday is celebrated with ceremonies and STEM outreach events.

[RELATED: Space Force to Add 10,000 Guardians in Next 5 Years]

U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps: Although its origins are traced to the Marine Hospital Service of 1798, the Commissioned Corps was formally established on Jan. 4, 1889, as a uniformed service dedicated to public health. Officers serve in roles spanning health, science, and engineering across the nation and abroad, often alongside other armed services during emergencies.

NOAA Commissioned Corps: On May 22, 1917, the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps was established as a commissioned corps, and in 1970, it became known as the NOAA Corps. Today, as one of the nation’s esteemed uniformed services, NOAA Corps officers play a vital role within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, commanding ships and piloting aircraft to monitor atmospheric and oceanic conditions.