National Harki Day, also known as the Day of National Recognition for the Harkis, is observed in France every September 25. This day commemorates the Harkis, Muslim Algerian loyalists who served in the French Army during the Algerian War from 1954 to 1962. Established by President Jacques Chirac in 2001, the observance acknowledges the significant contributions of Muslim Algerians to the French military since 1830, including their roles in major conflicts such as the Franco-Prussian War, World War I, and World War II. Despite their loyalty, many Harkis faced abandonment by France during the Algerian War, a responsibility later recognized by President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2012. The day serves to honor the Harkis' importance to France and their unique position as auxiliaries to French regular units due to their knowledge of local terrain.