Military Appreciation Month 2025

May is Military Appreciation Month, a special time for those in and outside of the military. During this month we honor the sacrifices, contributions, and service of past and current members of the U.S. military.

May is a special time as it marks the anniversaries and significance of several other events, including: Armed Forces Day, Military Appreciation Day, and Memorial Day. Join us as we celebrate the service of members of the Navy, Coast Guard, Marines, Army, National Guard, Air Force, and Space Force all month long.

Why Do We Celebrate Military Appreciation Month?

Military service ain’t no walk in the park.

Our freedom is earned by hardworking service members who fight for it—spilling blood, sweat, and tears day in and day out. A month of commemoration is the least any of us can do, but this is where we can start.

Each year the president makes a proclamation reminding Americans of the important role that the U.S. Armed Forces have played in the history and development of our country. May was chosen because it has many individual days marked to note our military’s achievements.

When Is Military Spouse Appreciation Day?

Military Spouse Appreciation Day falls on the Friday before Mother’s Day in May. This year, it will be celebrated on Friday, May 9th, 2025.

On this day, we recognize and honor the contributions and sacrifices made by military spouses. Military spouses are the silent heroes who are essential to our nation’s strength, making sacrifices for the betterment of our country, just like their loved ones.

Who Established National Military Appreciation Month?

Military Appreciation Month was established by Senator John McCain in 1999. On May 30, 1999, Congress designated National Military Appreciation Month as a month-long observance.

How Was Military Spouse Appreciation Month Created?

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Military Spouse Day, designating it to be observed on the Friday before Mother’s Day each year. The intention was to honor the commitment, strength, and support military spouses provide to service members.

Over time, awareness and appreciation for the unique challenges faced by military families grew. Though not formally declared in a single act of Congress, Military Spouse Appreciation Month informally evolved through public observances.

Key Military Appreciation Month Dates to Remember

Below are some of the key Military Appreciation dates to keep in mind the entire month of May:

• Loyalty Day (May 1st): recognizes the loyalty and dedication of military personnel
• Victory in Europe Day (May 8th): commemorates the end of WWII in Europe
• Military Spouse Appreciation Day (May 9th): honors the spouses of military personnel for their sacrifices
• Armed Forces Day (May 17th): celebrates the men and women currently serving in the military and those who have previously served
• Memorial Day (May 26th): is a time to remember and honor the men and women who have passed away while serving in the military