Honoring Military Service: A Tribute to Military Appreciation Month
Saluting Service: Celebrating Military Appreciation Month
Every May, the United States pays tribute to its military members with Military Appreciation Month. It’s an essential reminder of the sacrifices made by service members and their families and a celebration of all our veterans and active-duty military members who do for us daily.
What Is Military Appreciation Month?
Military Appreciation Month, observed throughout May, is a designated period to honor and recognize the sacrifices, dedication, and bravery of military personnel, veterans, and their families. Established in 1999 through legislative efforts, it serves as a time for the nation to express gratitude, educate the public about military history and contributions, and foster a sense of unity and appreciation for the military community.
Why May?
The best-known military holiday, Veterans Day, is in November. So why is May the month for military appreciation? Well, Veterans Day isn’t the only holiday we have that celebrates military accomplishments. May has five major military observances:
- Loyalty Day (May 1): A day set aside for reaffirming loyalty to the United States and recognizing the heritage of American freedom.
- Victory in Europe (VE) Day (May 8): Marks the anniversary of the Allies’ victory in Europe during World War II.
- Military Spouse Appreciation Day (the Friday before Mother’s Day): Honors the contributions and sacrifices made by military spouses.
- Armed Forces Day (the third Saturday in May): Celebrates current military service members.
- Memorial Day (the last Monday in May): Honors military personnel who have died in service to their country.
These observances provide opportunities for the public to express their appreciation and for the media to highlight the achievements and contributions of the military.
Recognizing Military Contributions
The six branches of the military – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and the newest branch, the Space Force – all play an essential role in defending our security interests. From the fury of combat to the goodwill of peacetime and humanitarian missions, our military personnel are beacons of courage, discipline, and resilience. During May, we express our admiration for their service.
During Military Appreciation Month, we also honor the contributions of our veterans. Their contributions, both on the battlefield and civilian life, are a testament to their strength. It’s a necessary time to honor their achievements and acknowledge the challenges they face when returning to civilian life.
Honoring Military Families
Military Appreciation Month isn’t just for service members; it’s for their families, too. Behind every service member is a family who loves them, supports them, worries for them, sacrifices for them, and misses them terribly when deployed.
Military families rally behind their service members, but they deserve recognition and support, too– even if they don’t always admit it! So, during May, take time to recognize and appreciate their unwavering support and commitment and the sacrifices they make for their loved ones in uniform.
Getting Involved
As we observe Military Appreciation Month, we see many ways to get involved and support our military personnel and veterans. Volunteering, attending events, and participating in initiatives to honor and support the military community are all meaningful ways to express appreciation and solidarity.
One of the most challenging things a military family faces is deployment. Separation is hard, and staying connected is essential for morale in the field and at home. This Military Appreciation Month, reach out to any military families you know who have a loved one on deployment—they will deeply appreciate your support. If you know anyone serving overseas, ask their family how to send them a card – or go through one of the many groups that help people send cards and letters to deployed military members.
Military Appreciation Month isn’t the only time we should appreciate our troops’ work. Whether they’re defending our safety abroad or at home, May is a great time to reflect on how our troops have profoundly impacted the freedoms we enjoy today.
Do you have a loved one, a friend, or a neighbor in uniform? Tell us about them in the Comments so we can celebrate them, too!
