NATIONAL DESERT STORM VETERANS DAY

National Desert Storm Veterans Day | VFW Post 7824

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February 28 • Honor • Remember • Support

National Desert Storm Veterans Day

Honoring the American service members who served during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, helped liberate Kuwait, defended U.S. allies, and carried forward a lasting legacy of courage, sacrifice, and service.

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Federal status: House resolutions introduced in 2020 and 2021 supported designating February 28 as "Desert Storm Veterans Day.” The date is commemorated by veteran organizations and communities, but it is not a permanent federal holiday.

A nation remembers

Their mission was swift. Their service must never be forgotten.

This commemoration recognizes those who served across the land, air, sea, and support missions of the 1990–1991 Gulf War. It remembers those who died during the conflict and recognizes veterans who continue to live with wounds, illnesses, and other lasting effects associated with their service.

U.S. House Resolution 172, introduced in 2021, expressed support for designating February 28 as "Desert Storm Veterans Day” to honor and recognize the contributions of veterans who served in Operation Desert Storm.

— H. Res. 172, 117th Congress
≈697,000 U.S. troops deployed to the Gulf region during the 1990–1991 Gulf War.
116,000+ Combat air sorties were flown by U.S. and coalition forces during Desert Storm.
100 hours The coalition ground campaign lasted approximately four days before offensive operations were halted.
Apr. 11 The United Nations cease-fire became effective on April 11, 1991, formally ending the conflict.

Campaign timeline

From Desert Shield to the liberation of Kuwait

After Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990, the United States joined an international coalition to defend the region, enforce United Nations resolutions, and restore Kuwait's sovereignty.

Iraq invades Kuwait

Iraqi forces cross into Kuwait, beginning the crisis that would lead to the Persian Gulf War.

Operation Desert Shield begins

U.S. forces deploy to Saudi Arabia as part of a growing international coalition formed to deter further aggression and defend the region.

Operation Desert Storm begins

Coalition air operations begin against Iraqi forces in Kuwait and selected military targets inside Iraq.

The ground campaign begins

Coalition forces launch the ground offensive to drive Iraqi forces from Kuwait.

Kuwait is liberated

After approximately 100 hours of ground combat, coalition offensive operations are halted. February 28 later became the date proposed in Congress for Desert Storm Veterans Day.

Formal cease-fire takes effect

The United Nations cease-fire becomes effective, formally ending the Persian Gulf War.

How to observe

Turn remembrance into meaningful action

Individuals, families, schools, veteran organizations, and communities can commemorate February 28 in several meaningful ways.

Thank a Desert Storm veteran

Listen to their story, recognize their service, and make sure they know their sacrifice is remembered.

Pause and remember

Hold a moment of silence for those killed in action and those lost later because of wounds, illness, or toxic exposure.

Share the history

Teach younger generations about Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and the coalition effort that liberated Kuwait.

Fly the American flag

Display the flag respectfully in recognition of the men and women who served during the Persian Gulf War.

Connect veterans with help

Share trusted information about VA health care, Gulf War presumptive conditions, toxic exposure screening, and claims assistance.

Support veteran organizations

Volunteer, attend a local ceremony, or support organizations that advocate for veterans and their families.

Health, benefits, and support

Resources for Gulf War veterans and families

Gulf War veterans may qualify for VA health care, disability compensation, toxic-exposure-related benefits, and other earned benefits. Eligibility depends on each veteran’s service history, exposures, and medical circumstances.

PACT Act Information

Learn how the PACT Act expanded VA health care and benefits for Gulf War-era veterans exposed to toxic substances.

Explore PACT Act benefits

File a VA Disability Claim

Apply online for disability compensation or learn about submitting a supplemental claim.

Start a VA claim

Free VFW Claims Assistance

Connect with an accredited VFW service officer for no-cost help understanding and filing a VA claim.

Find VFW claims assistance

Please note: Benefit eligibility depends on individual service history, location, medical condition, and VA requirements. This page provides general information and does not replace guidance from the Department of Veterans Affairs or an accredited representative.

Questions and answers

About the February 28 commemoration

Is Desert Storm Veterans Day a federal holiday?

No. House resolutions introduced in 2020 and 2021 expressed support for designating February 28 as Desert Storm Veterans Day, but the date has not been established as a permanent federal holiday.

Why is it observed on February 28?

On February 28, 1991, coalition offensive operations were halted after Kuwait had been liberated and the approximately 100-hour ground campaign had concluded.

What is the difference between Desert Shield and Desert Storm?

Operation Desert Shield was the defensive buildup and deployment that followed Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. Operation Desert Storm was the coalition combat campaign that began on January 17, 1991, to remove Iraqi forces from Kuwait.

Where can a Gulf War veteran get help with a VA claim?

Veterans can work with an accredited VFW service officer at no cost or apply directly through VA.gov. Veterans should verify the accreditation and fees of anyone offering assistance with a VA claim.

Historical and veteran-resource sources

Page revision 1.1.0 • Historical and resource links reviewed September 19, 2026.