There are many different military-themed days throughout the year. But did you know that there are also months for military? Yes, that’s right! Entire months can be dedicated to the military!
One example is Military Appreciation Month.
If you are scratching your head right now about what this month is, continue to read. We will answer what is Military Appreciation Month in detail below.
But in short, just to get you started, it is a month to honor the service and sacrifice of all those in and out of the military. There are special days within the month, such as Armed Forces Day and Military Spouse Appreciation Day, to remember, honor, and support men and women in uniform.
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Military Appreciation Month
Occasionally referred to as Military Awareness Month, this is the National Military Month celebrating the men and women in the military.
Every year, the President makes a proclamation to remind Americans of the U.S Armed Forces’ role in the development of the country, and this marks Military Awareness Month.
When is it?
May is Military Appreciation Month. It was chosen because there are many individual days in the month to denote the country’s military achievements. For example, Loyalty Day, Victory in Europe (VE) Day, and Children of Fallen Patriots Day.
Holidays & Observances in Military Appreciation Month
May 1 – Loyalty Day
This day is exactly as it sounds. It is a day for Americans to reassert their loyalty to the country and honor their heritage. Loyalty Day was founded in 1921.
Though not as widely known as other holidays and observances, several communities still celebrate it by hosting ceremonies and parades.
Silver Star Service Banner Day
Silver Star Service Banner Day is on May 1, which is the same as Loyalty Day.
It recognizes those who have received the Silver Star Medal. In addition, it pays tribute to veterans ill and wounded as a result of serving in the military.
May 7 to May 13 – Public Service Recognition Week
Public Service Recognition Week is set aside to honor those who serve as federal, state, country, and local government employees.
It is commonly used to raise awareness about the contribution of government workers. Traditionally, the week is celebrated during the first full week of May.
National Correctional Officers Week
This is observed in the first week (from May 1 to May 7) of May, alongside the Public Service Recognition Week. Starting from 1984, it has been a week to recognize and honor correctional officers.
May 8 – Victory in Europe (VE) Day
Germany surrendered on May 8th, 1945 in the Second World War.
And so, this day commemorates the U.S’s victory in Europe. This year (2022) is the nation’s 76th VE day.
May 12 – Military Spouse Appreciation Day
This appreciation day is celebrated on the Friday before Mother’s Day. It is meant to recognize and honor the sacrifice and support of military spouses.
Military Spouse Appreciation Day was formed in 1984 by Ronald Reagan. It is a presidentially-approved day. Hence, every year, the President gives a public or official announcement acknowledging the day and encouraging Americans to honor military spouses with proper activities and ceremonies.
May 13 – Children of Fallen Patriots Day
On this day, children of deceased military members are honored. The May 14 date takes after the day the Arlington National Cemetery was founded.
Armed Forces Week
This is the week leading up to Armed Forces Day. During this week, Americans remember the service of all the service branches in the military. Normally, celebratory parades, luncheons, and base gatherings, and flag raising events are held throughout the week.
National Police Week
National Police Week celebrates police (duh!) and all those who work in law enforcement. President John F. Kennedy set the week May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day falls on as Police Week. During this week, Americans pay tribute to officers from departments throughout the country for their ultimate sacrifice.
May 15 – Peace Officers Memorial Day
On this day, Americans recognize the contribution of and honor law enforcement officers who have been disabled or have died while on service. President John F. Kennedy initiated Peace Officers Memorial Day in 1962 on the week of May 15 as part of National Police Week.
May 20 – Armed Forces Day
This is a day for all Americans serving in the military. It is celebrated on the third Saturday of every May.
Originally, it was established as a substitute for the days celebrating each service branch, but today, those days are still observed.
Armed Forces Day was created in 1848 by the then Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson.
May 30 – Memorial Day
This is the most well-known military holiday in May. It falls on the last Monday of May, and is
Its origin can be traced back to the period after the Civil War. Memorial Day, as suggested in the name, is initially a day to remember the fallen soldiers on both sides of the war.
Over time, however, it grew to honor all Americans who died serving in the military.
Celebrating Military Appreciation Month
Ways to Celebrate
1. Donate
Donate to a specific veterans’ cause:
- Vehicles for Veterans: Donate your vehicle to a veteran using this form or call 1-855-811-4838.
- Operation Write Home: Donate money to send military members blank cards that they can write in and send back home.
Or donate to general veteran charities:
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
- The Wounded Warrior Project
2.Volunteer
- Drive a Vehicle (DAV): Volunteer to drive veterans to VA hospitals and clinics
- Project Evergreen: Volunteer to cut grass and do yard work for disabled veterans
- Operation Gratitude: Volunteer to host a collection drive for military care package items
3. Send A Care Package
Express your appreciation to military members by sending care packages through Operation Gratitude. It is a simple but meaningful way to say thank you. Learn how to send a package here.
4. Avail of & Share Military Appreciation Month Discounts
During Military Appreciation Month, many businesses “give back.” You can avail of these discounts and share them with others you know in the military community so that they can avail of them too.
For goods:
- Academy Sports + Outdoors: 10% off entire purchases in-store and online from May 1 to July 4 for current and former military members.
- Rack Room Shoes: 20% discount off entire purchases in stores on Memorial Day for those with a valid ID.
- Sleep Number: 20% off all Sleep Number smart beds (360) and most bedding purchases through June 6 online or offline.
- Walgreens: 20% off eligible regular price items from May 27 to 30 for current and former military members and their families in store.
For services:
- Brakes To Go: 10% discount for the entire month of May for current or former military members.
- Midas Total Car Care: 10% discount for the entire month of May for most vehicles.
- Navy Federal Credit Union: Military members can begin a Navy Federal cashRewards credit card and receive a cashback of $200 after spending $2,000 within 90 days.
They can refinance their auto loan and attain a $200 bonus, or sign up for an EasyStart or Special EasyStart Certificate and receive a $30 bonus after three automatic transfers.
For places:
- Cincinnati Zoo: Free admission on Memorial Day and up to six 50% off admission tickets for the member’s immediate family.
- Indianapolis Zoo: Free admission on Memorial Day for current and former military members.
- Magic Springs Theme & Water Park: Free admission from May 28 to June 12 for current military members and $36.99 admission for family members.
- NY Waterway: Free ticket for the ferry during Fleet week (May 25 to 31) for active-duty members and veterans.
- Blue Star Museums: Free admission for active-duty military members and their family members from Armed Forces Day (May 21) to Labor Day (September 5).
- Silverwood Theme Park: Free admission from May 28 to 30. Immediate family members can get a special discounted ticket rate at the front gate.
- Splashway Waterpark and Campground: Discounted tickets or Season Passes for active military members, veterans, and their family members on Memorial Day.
- Sun Splash Family Waterpark: One admission ticket for current and former military members on May 30.
- Legoland Discovery Center Westchester: Free entry and 50% off for up to 4 guests for active-duty military members, Reservists, and former military members in May.
- UFC GYM: Free training for 30 days for current and former military members.
For food:
- LaMar’s Donuts: Free donuts and coffee at set locations on Memorial Day for current and former military members.
- Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: Free lunch or dinner entree with an entree purchased on May 30 for current and former military members.
- Mission BBQ: A free sandwich on the week of May 16 for current and former military members.
FAQs
Is May dedicated to Veterans?
May is not only dedicated to veterans, but also to current military members. The specific veterans’ month is November — officially named National Veterans and Military Families Month. Even though there is not more than one single month dedicated to veterans, those who have served are recognized in other general military months.
Is there an Army Month?
Unfortunately, there is no Army Month. That said, though, there are Army birthdays and anniversaries, including:
- The Army Reserve’s Birthday on April 23
- The Army’s Birthday on June 14
- The Army Chaplain Corps’s Birthday on July 29
- The National Airborne Day on August 15
Conclusion
Now, you know all the essentials of “What is Military Appreciation Month?” Be sure to mark the holidays and observances in your calendar and prepare to honor current and former military members suitably.
Above, we have mentioned several ways to celebrate the month. But do you have any other ideas? If you do, please share them with us in the comments below.
I am Everett Bledsoe, taking on the responsibility of content producer for The Soldiers Project. My purpose in this project is to give honest reviews on the gear utilized and tested over time. Of course, you cannot go wrong when checking out our package of information and guide, too, as they come from reliable sources and years of experience.