National Military Appreciation Month calls on the people of the United States to recognize and honor the dedication and commitment of the members of the U.S. armed forces and to observe the month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
In addition to the initial month-long observance, five other observances were added to the month’s original presidential proclamation and are now also observed during the month:
• Loyalty Day
• Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day)
• Military Spouse Appreciation Day
• Armed Forces Day
• Memorial Day
According to the Defense Manpower Data Center’s military and civilian personnel statistics from December 2019, there are more than 2.1 million military members serving in one the six U.S. armed forces branches on active-duty, reserve or guard status. The U.S. Space Force joined the other five branches Dec. 20, 2019.
Even though this country’s current pandemic situation has made it unlikely that traditional ways of celebrating, such as parades, ceremonies or functions will occur, there are still ways to recognize and honor former and current service members during this month-long observance.
Here are some ways to observe National Military Appreciation Month without leaving home:
• Call, email or text a service member.
• Use social media to honor service members.
• Learn more about each branch by visiting its website and social media:
o U.S. Air Force: www.af.mil
o U.S. Army: www.army.mil
o U.S. Coast Guard: www.uscg.mil
o U.S. Marine Corps: www.marines.mil
o U.S. Navy: www.navy.mil
• Visit each service’s museum online:
o U.S. Air Force: www.nationalmuseum.af.mil
o U.S. Army: www.thenmusa.org
o U.S. Coast Guard: www.coastguardmuseum.org
o U.S. Marine Corps: www.usmcmuseum.com
o U.S. Navy: www.history.navy.mil
• Watch and discuss historical videos or movies about military conflicts and operations.
• Visit Arlington Cemetery's website: www.arlingtoncemetery.mil
• Learn about some of the fallen heroes who died while serving and protecting this nation.
• Make drawings or create art that can be displayed in windows or on doors that show support and appreciation for military members.
• Fly and properly display a U.S. flag.
• Learn more about each observance.
Loyalty Day is observed annually on May 1. It was officially declared a holiday in 1958.
Public Law 85-529 states “that the 1st day of May of each year is hereby designated as Loyalty Day and is to be set aside as a special day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States of America and for the recognition of American freedom.”
When V-E Day was observed May 8, it marked the 75th anniversary of the day German troops throughout Europe surrendered, which signified the end of World War II in Europe.
May 8 was also Military Spouse Appreciation Day. This day recognizes the importance of the contributions, support and sacrifices made by spouses of military members. The day traditionally falls on the Friday before Mother’s Day.
On May 18, National Armed Forces Day was observed. The holiday has recognized U.S. armed forces service members from five of the military branches on a single day since its establishment in August 1949 by then U.S. Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson. Although, this year it will now recognize six branches with the newly added Space Force. It was celebrated for the first time in May 1950 and made an official holiday by President John F. Kennedy in 1962. This day is usually observed on the third Saturday of May.
The most widely known military holiday in May is Memorial Day, which will be observed May 25. This federal holiday recognizes the sacrifices made by those fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving to protect and defend this country and the rights afforded to all of its citizens. It is celebrated annually on the fourth Monday of May.
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