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Let's show our appreciation and honor those who have served and are currently serving in the military by celebrating Military Appreciation Month this May! Established in 1999, this month-long event serves to recognize and thank all members of the U.S. Armed Forces for their service, sacrifice, and dedication to defending our nation. It's a time for us to come together as a nation and express our admiration for those who have courageously put their lives on the line for us. Whether you choose to volunteer your time or make a donation, there are many ways we can show our appreciation during this special month.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1775</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of U.S. Armed Forces</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United States Army was established, marking the birth of the U.S. Armed Forces.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1917</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Veterans Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, was established to honor those who served during World War I.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1944</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>G.I. Bill Legislation</div><div class='timeline-text'>The G.I. Bill became law, offering veterans numerous benefits, including financial aid for education and housing.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1954</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Veterans Day Recognition Expansion</div><div class='timeline-text'>Armistice Day was officially renamed Veterans Day to honor all veterans, not just those who served in World War I.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1986</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Military Family Appreciation Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Ronald Reagan was the first to designate November as Military Family Appreciation Month, acknowledging the sacrifices made by military families.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1999</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Military Appreciation Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>Military Appreciation Month was established in the United States by a bill signed into law by President Bill Clinton.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write a letter</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to write a letter or email to a service member and thank them for their service. It will be especially meaningful if you can find someone who you know personally.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a donation drive</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a donation drive to support veterans and military families. Reach out to local businesses for donations, and set up collection boxes in public places.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a military event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local area for military events, such as parades, celebrations, and memorial services. Show your support by attending and bringing along friends and family.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Fly the American Flag</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Fly the American flag at your home or workplace to show your support for the men and women of the U.S. military.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Consider volunteering at a VA hospital or with an organization that supports veterans. You can also join your local Veterans of Foreign Wars organization and help out with their activities.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>To honor and recognize the service and sacrifice of our military members</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Every year, millions of brave men and women selflessly serve their country in the armed forces. During Military Appreciation Month, we recognize their invaluable contributions to our nation by showcasing their service and honoring them for their courage and dedication.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>To raise awareness of military issues</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Military Appreciation Month is a great opportunity to increase public awareness of both current military issues and those that have been unresolved for many years. When civilians take time out of their lives to educate themselves on such issues, they become more informed and ultimately, better equipped to advocate for the soldiers who have fought, sacrificed, or are still fighting alongside all of us.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>To support our troops</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>We must never forget that there are men and women around the world who are sacrificing their safety and comfort every day in order to protect our liberty and freedom. By celebrating Military Appreciation Month, we show our gratitude towards them through acts of kindness such as sending care packages or writing letters to those overseas. It's our way of saying thank you for your bravery and dedication!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The U.S. Military is Deployed in over 70 Countries</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to US military projections, the US military is deployed in over 70 countries around the world. This includes long-term deployments in places such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and other parts of the Middle East.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It is the Largest Employer in the World</h3><p class='facts-content'>The United States Military employs more than 3 million people, making it the largest employer in the world. It is estimated that about 16% of the US population is either actively serving or veterans of the military.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There are Over 500 Cemeteries Dedicated to US Military Members</h3><p class='facts-content'>The United States is home to more than 500 military cemeteries dedicated to those who served in the Armed Forces. This includes the Arlington National Cemetery, which is one of the most famous cemeteries in the world.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Over 600 Medal of Honor Recipients</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Nation's highest award for courage and bravery in combat is the Medal of Honor. As of 2019, there have been over 600 recipients of the Medal of Honor for their outstanding service in the US Military.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Not All US Military Members are Male</h3><p class='facts-content'>While the majority of US military members are male, there are also a significant number of female soldiers. In 2017, 15.8 percent of enlisted personnel and 17.9 percent of officers were female.</p></div></div>
Military Appreciation Month is celebrated on May 1 every year. In 2024, Military Appreciation Month will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
May 1
Monday
2024
May 1
Wednesday
2025
May 1
Thursday
2026
May 1
Friday
2027
May 1
Saturday
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