Military Appreciation Month occurs every May and honors our active duty service members and veterans. The observance runs through the whole month of May and honors the sacrifice our troops have made for our freedoms and safety.

Military Appreciation Month is an excellent time to show your support for our troops, whether you have military in your family, one of your friends serves, or you just want to show gratitude to the military community. Learn all about National Military Appreciation Month and how you can observe this annual tradition this year.

The History of Military Appreciation Month

Military Appreciation Month was officially established in May after Senator John McCain introduced legislation in 1999 to honor the commitment and sacrifices made by our service members. Congress chose May since many military holidays fall in the same month, including Memorial Day and Loyalty Day. For over two decades, Americans have been celebrating National Military Appreciation Month and showcasing their support of our troops each year.

Other Military Holidays in May

Military Appreciation Month is just one of many celebrations and observances in May. There are a total of six military observances in May, including:

1. Loyalty Day

On May 1st, Loyalty Day is celebrated for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and the recognition of the heritage of American freedom. It was first celebrated in 1921 and was formally recognized as “Americanization Day” until 1955 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed it Loyalty Day.

2. VE Day

On May 8th, VE Day is remembered as an important day in history. VE Day is known as Victory Day in Europe. On May 8th, 1945, the Germans surrendered to all the Allies. This day is celebrated as the end of WWII in Europe.

3. Public Service Recognition Week

During the first full week of May, Public Service Recognition Week honors and celebrates the men and women who serve our nation as federal, state, county, and local government employees who ensure our government runs smoothly every day.

4. Military Spouse Appreciation Day

The Friday before Mother’s Day is always Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Our Military Spouses and Military Families hold an important role in the support of keeping our freedom secure and safe. On this day, we honor and recognize their strength and sacrifice.

5. Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of May and is the wrap-up to Armed Forces Week. Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the holiday in 1949 to replace the separate days for each branch.

This holiday is for Americans to recognize every branch of the Armed Forces and their Unity. Armed Forces Week is not a National Observance but there are activities organized within each branch to celebrate the service and sacrifice of each person who has served in all of the Armed Forces.

6. Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a federal holiday that is always celebrated on the last Monday of May. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who died while serving in the U.S. Military. This day had been set aside for Americans to not only honor these individuals but also to reflect on the sacrifice so many have made to protect our freedom.

How to Observe Military Appreciation Month

If you’re looking for some fun ways to give back to our service members or showcase your appreciation, consider some of the options below:

1. Volunteer With the VA

Unfortunately, not every veteran has someone to watch over them and give them support, which makes the Department of Veterans Affairs so important. Seeing a friendly face can make a significant difference in a veteran's life, so consider volunteering in May to help some of our veterans.

You can volunteer at a VA hospital or shelter, allowing you to get directly involved with improving our service members’ well-being. You might visit patients, run errands, serve meals, or handle donations.

2. Buy a Meal

If you’re at a restaurant in May and recognize a veteran or see a service member in uniform, consider picking up their tab. This small gesture can go a long way in making a service member feel appreciated and it makes a nice surprise.

3. Attend Parades and Events

Since many military holidays fall in May alongside National Military Appreciation Month, you can find plenty of parades and events taking place throughout the month. If you want to show your support for our service members, you can attend one of these events with your friends and family. You can also host your event at your home if you want to get your loved ones together to honor troops in your community.

4. Donate

An easy way to show your support for our troop is to donate to a veterans charity, such as the Wounded Warriors Project. You can find an organization that speaks to you and send in a donation to support a cause that you care about, ensuring your money goes directly toward helping veterans and service members.

5. Send a Care Package

If you want to thank active duty troops while they’re deployed, you can always send a care package as a way to say thank you. You can include various items inside a care package, including books, toiletries, snacks, letters, cards, and other items. Care packages are a great way to give deployed service members a piece of home while they’re away protecting our freedoms.

A Heartfelt Thank You From MLC

To all of our active duty and veterans, Military Luggage Company would like to offer our deepest thanks for your sacrifice. Our service members are on-call around the world every day of the week and at any time. We honor and appreciate your commitment and dedication to your country, and we hope that non-service members use National Military Appreciation Month to show their support for our troops.