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Why Celebrating Military Appreciation Month is a Big Deal

Military Appreciation Month, celebrated in May, is the chance to both honor those currently serving as well as remember those who have fallen. Mark your calendar for these ways to celebrate Military Appreciation Month.

Carry The Load Memorial May

In 2011, when two veteran Navy SEALs saw that the true meaning of Memorial Day wasn’t getting across, they founded Carry The Load to honor military at Memorial Day.

What began as a 20-hour, 11-minute march in 2011 has become a relay, march, and rally event that spans the entire United States. The culmination Dallas Memorial March is a 2-day event over Memorial Day weekend that focuses on “honoring service members and their families for the sacrifices they make.”

Communities all around the United States participate through carrying the American flag through two relays and organizing rallies along the relay routes.

The 2018 goal for Memorial May is $2.5 million to “provide direct support for healing of the mind, body and souls of our nation’s military, law enforcement, firefighters, first responders and their families.”

Armed Forces Day

Celebrate Armed Forces Day on the third Saturday of the month, May 19, 2018 using #knowyourmil on your favorite social media platform.

1949 Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson facilitated the creation of Armed Forces Day to honor military members, championed by then-President Harry S. Truman. Armed Forces Day replaced separate celebration days to recognize each branch of the armed services. This corresponded with the establishment of the Department of Defense.

Armed Forces Day has been an opportunity to honor the contributions of members of the military as well as educate the civilian population about the important work that the military does. Celebrations include parades, demonstrations, and military exercises.

VE Day

Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day, is celebrated on May 8 to commemorate the Allies’ victory in Europe during World War II in 1945.

The 8th is recognized as VE Day by Great Britain and the United States. German troops surrendered, marking the start of the end of World War II. The Soviet Union recognized the surrender the following day; Russia celebrates VE Day on the 9th of May.

Military Spouse Appreciation Day

First recognized by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, Military Spouse Appreciation Day is celebrated the Friday before Mother’s Day.

The day marks the opportunity to “honor the contributions and sacrifices made by military spouses.” Military installations and communities host special events to bring attention to the heroes behind the heroes. Many venues include educational and professional opportunities for military spouses, a group that has been historically underemployed and faces challenges maintaining a career.

Military Spouse Appreciation Day will fall on May 11, 2018.

Memorial Day

The last Monday in May is reserved to recognize the men and women of the Armed Services who have given their lives in service to this country. Memorial Day is a federal holiday celebrating the memory and sacrifice that they have made.

The United States has formally recognized the sacrifice of fallen members of the military since the Civil War. Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971.

Many communities around the country hold parades, decorate with patriotic flair, and hold special cemetery memorials. Flags and flowers are put on the graves of veterans. Businesses often give employees extra time off to spend with their families participating in celebrations.

Memorial Day is also the unofficial start of summer. Many Americans choose to celebrate in an old-fashioned American way, including barbecues, outdoor events, and gatherings of family and friends.

Memorial Day will be celebrated on May 28, 2018.