WHEN IS MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH? WHY DO WE CELEBRATE IT?


By kbarber
When Is Military Appreciation Month?

If you’re active-duty military, a Vet, or a military family member, you probably already know the answer to “When is Military Appreciation Month” (hint hint, it’s every May). However, do you know the rich history of the month? All the other military-related holidays and days of remembrance within May? If not, take a seat and explore all that Military Appreciation Month has to offer.

When Is Military Appreciation Month?

National Military Appreciation Month is observed every year in May. It’s a month full of remembrance, observance, and respect for military members, spouses, Veterans, and lost loved ones. But why is May Military Appreciation Month?, you might ask. Simply put, May is dedicated to the military because there are so many military-related observances within the month. Military Appreciation Month wasn’t formally recognized until 1999 when the U.S. Senate passed an official resolution naming the month and declaring it a time for everyone to honor and recognize the service and sacrifice of all military members past and present as well as those who support them. In the resolution, the Senate also called for the current president to make a proclamation every year at the beginning of May to kick off Military Appreciation Month. Now, when someone asks you, “Is there a Military Appreciation Month?” you can confidently respond yes and tell them when it is, why it’s in May, and when it became official.

Military Appreciation Month Events

Aside from asking “When is Military Appreciation Month?” it’s also important to ask what events within May make up the celebratory month. You might be surprised at just how many military-related events and observances

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Loyalty Day

Loyalty Day occurs on May 1st to kick off Military Appreciation Month. According to Congress, it is a day for Americans to reaffirm their loyalty to the United States and recognize all that has gone into and continues to go into securing American freedom. This is the perfect day to celebrate your patriotism!

Victory in Europe Day (VE Day)

VE Day is one of the more well-known days of the month's celebration, and it’s held on May 8th. As most of you know, this day signifies the end of World War II in Europe. VE Day is observed to honor the sacrifices of the many men and women who died during this long war fighting international tyranny.

Military Spouse Appreciation Day

Military Spouse Appreciation Day is held on the Friday before Mother’s Day. The hard and never-ending work of military spouses often goes unseen. Thousands of military wives and husbands are left at home while their spouse goes off to perform vital duties for the nation, and they are left to take care of everything at home: kids, bills, maintenance, and emotional support. Not to mention they do it all mostly alone. Military spouses have a tough yet sometimes-unrecognized job that is vital to the success of our military members. Read more about Military Spouse Appreciation Day here:Happy Military Spouse Appreciation Day! A Special Thanks to Milspouses

Armed Forces Day

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Memorial Day

Memorial Day is held on the last Monday in May. As the name suggests, Memorial Day is used to remember those who have lost their lives in service to our country. On Memorial Day, we also take a minute-long national moment of silence, referred to as the National Moment of Remembrance, to honor those who paid the ultimate price for their country. One of the most popular celebrations of the month happens on Memorial Day: the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. Learn more about Memorial Day:Memorial Day 2022: Why Do We Celebrate Memorial Day?

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Military Appreciation Month Ideas for Celebration

Now that you’re not spending your time Googling “When is Military Appreciation Month?” you can take some time to plan a few Military Appreciation Month celebrations! A lot of companies make this easier by offering special discounts and programs throughout the month of May for military members, Veterans, and spouses. One of the most popular offerings in the past has been the Starbucks Military Appreciation Month program. During May, Starbucks doubles down on their commitment to hire Veterans and partners with Operation Gratitude and Blue Star Families to donate money to support the mental health of military members and Veterans. When you’re not searching for discounts or sipping a Starbucks cold brew, take some time with your family and friends to talk about Military Appreciation Month, the sacrifices that have allowed us all to be here at this moment in time, and the meaning of patriotism. Whether you reflect and remember over a BBQ, parade, memorial service, or any other kind of gathering, make sure you have a good grasp on how important this month is not just for those in the military world but for everyone in the country. So, when is Military Appreciation Month? It’s all May long! Though you should celebrate and remember the essence of the month for the entire year, take a little extra time this month to uplift, remember, and support those people in your life who are or were in the military who contribute to the success and freedom of the nation. Discover Military Appreciation Months deals here:Memorial Day Weekend Military Deals: 21 Brands You Can’t Miss


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