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May Is National Military Appreciation Month
May 7, 2008
The month of May, is a month that is dedicated to our Troops. To the men and women who serve our country proudly in the nations Armed Forces and to those who have served our country in the past. It’s only fitting that May should be the month to show our appreciation to our Troops, with so many significant days and historical military events throughout the month.
Did you know that May 1st is Loyalty Day? A day that has been set aside for all of us, to reaffirm our dedication and loyalty to our country, the United States of America and a day for recognizing the heritage behind the freedoms that we enjoy. May 8th is V.E. Day. V.E. Day is a historical day. that marks the formal celebration of the Allies victory in Europe during World War II.
Since 1984, Military Spouses have been honored on the Friday before Mother’s Day with Military Spouse Appreciation Day. It’s only fitting, when honoring our Troops, that we honor the men and women who stand behind them and support them; the Military Spouses. They too serve, by keeping things going at home and playing the role of both parents to their children, when their Soldier is deployed.
The month continues, with May 10th beginning Armed Forces Week, which continues through Sunday May 18th, the day after Armed Forces Day which is May 17th. The first observation of Armed Forces Day was in 1950, celebrate with parades, open houses, receptions and air shows. This day marks the unification of the Armed Forces under one deparment, the Department of Defense.
May ends with a very special day of rememberance; Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a day in which we remember those who have died in service to our country. Memorial Day is now celebrated on the last Monday of May, with it being celebrated on May 26th this year. The very first Memorial Day was held in 1868 on May 30th of that year. In 1971, Congress passed the National Holiday Act of 1971, changing the date to the last Monday of the month of May.
Unfortunately, many Americans don’t realize the significance of Memorial Day. Instead, they look on Memorial Day as the start of the summer, the first 3 day weekend that starts the summer season. Often, instead of paying tribute to the Heroes of the past for their service, Americans head to the lake with a cooler full of beer and consider it another day to party.
The first National Military Appreciation Month was designated by Congress in 1999. The month was designated as such, to encourage Americans to focus on the important, significant and historical impact that our Military has played in our Country, throughout it’s existence. It also provides a time that people can give thanks to those who are serving and those who have served.
So, I challenge each of you to find some way that you can support our Military and show your appreciation for them. Proudly fly your flag in front of your home, take the time out of your day to say “Thanks for your service” to a military member or veteran. Take the time to say “Thanks” as well to that military wife or husband, who’s spouse is deployed. It’s so easy to do and just takes a few minutes of your time. If you’d like more information about National Military Appreciation Month, please visit the National Military Appreciation Month website.
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3 Responses to “May Is National Military Appreciation Month”
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Fantastic post. Glad you’re sharing this information with everyone as it helps raise awareness.
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