National Forget-Me-Not Day
Today, we take a moment to honor those we've loved and lost.
- Roots
- Began in 1921 to aid disabled World War I veterans
- Vibe
- A day of reflection, remembrance, and connection.
- Also on Nov 10
- International Accounting Day · Civic Pride Day · Vanilla Cupcake Day
- Hashtag
- #NationalForgetMeNotDay
3 ways to celebrate
Learn its meaning
Read why the forget-me-not honors veterans. Wear one with understanding.
Visit a memorial
Go to a local veterans memorial together. Leave flowers if you can.
Moment of thanks
Suggest a moment of gratitude for veterans. Honor their service quietly.
Plan ahead
National Forget-Me-Not Day is observed on November 10 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.
Fast facts
The story
Observed annually on November 10, National Forget-Me-Not Day honors U.S. military veterans who bear the permanent scars of battle. The day was created in 1921 to raise funds for services for returning injured World War I soldiers. Forget-me-nots, a small and beautiful flower, serve as the day’s symbol, representing enduring love and remembrance.
Read the full story
The Disabled American Veterans, first led by Judge Robert S. Marx, launched the first official Forget-Me-Not Day campaign in 1922. Activities surrounding the day often include planting forget-me-not flowers, sharing stories, and lighting candles to honor those who have departed. Families and friends gather to celebrate the lives of their loved ones, creating a supportive environment to share grief and joy.
Participating in National Forget-Me-Not Day can take on many forms, from individual reflection to community events. This day serves as a gentle reminder to acknowledge our feelings and the significance of our relationships. Whether through storytelling, gardening, or simply lighting a candle, people find their own ways to express their love and remembrance.
As we commemorate National Forget-Me-Not Day, it is essential to recognize that grief and love are intertwined. This day allows us to celebrate the lives that have touched ours while affirming our connections to those still with us. Together, we honor memories and extend compassion toward one another, carrying the spirit of our loved ones forward.
Did you know?
Symbol of Remembrance
Forget-me-nots are often used in memorial services to symbolize love and remembrance.
Cultural Significance
Many cultures have their own legends surrounding forget-me-nots, often associating them with true love.
Historical Use
Forget-Me-Not Day fundraising campaigns began in the early 1920s.
State Flower
The forget-me-not is the official state flower of Alaska.
Scientific Classification
The scientific name for forget-me-nots is Myosotis, derived from Greek, meaning 'mouse's ear'.
Global Recognition
Forget-me-nots are recognized globally for their beauty and emotional significance, appearing in various art forms.
Veterans' Flower
Forget-me-nots were once sold to fund care for disabled World War I veterans.
Around the world
Every culture celebrates a little differently.
- USUnited StatesNational Forget-Me-Not Day is observed across the U.S., honoring veterans who bear the permanent scars of battle.
- GBUnited KingdomIn the U.K., forget-me-nots have been a symbol of remembrance in military contexts, connecting the day to broader themes of loss and memory.
- CACanadaIn Canada, as elsewhere, the forget-me-not is a flower symbolizing remembrance.
- AUAustraliaIn Australia, forget-me-nots are often associated with memorial services, highlighting the universal themes of love and remembrance.
- DEGermanyIn Germany, forget-me-nots are also used to symbolize enduring love and memory.
- NZNew ZealandIn New Zealand, forget-me-nots are also celebrated for their beauty and symbolism, often included in memorial gardens.
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