With 1,085,286 active duty military members, 18.2 million veterans and many more in the reserves, chances are you know someone who has served and protected our country—most of us do. All throughout the month of May, we can show our gratitude to these courageous Americans as the nation celebrates National Military Appreciation Month.
Learn more about National Military Appreciation Month and how you can honor the service members and veterans in your life this May in this article.
What Is National Military Appreciation Month?
National Military Appreciation Month is a time to honor the sacrifice and service of current and former members of the Navy, Army, Marines and National Guard and Coast Guard, as well as their spouses and families.
Since Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month in 1999, the president has made a proclamation each year to remind Americans about the contribution the U.S. Armed Forces have made to our country’s development.
Why May? Several holidays to honor the members and achievements of the U.S. armed forces already existed in May before the establishment of National Military Appreciation Month, so it was the perfect time for a month-long celebration of our Armed Forces.[1]
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What Events Take Place During National Military Appreciation Month?
There are six holidays honoring service members, veterans and their families during the month of May.
| Date | May 1 | May 5 – May 11 | May 8 | May 10 | May 18 | May 27 |
| Holiday | Loyalty Day | Public Service Recognition Week | Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) | Military Spouse Appreciation Day | Armed Forces Day | Memorial Day |
| Purpose | Marks the beginning of NMAM. Reaffirms our loyalty to America. | A week to honor the service of public employees to our country. | The day in 1945 the Germans surrendered, and WWII in Europe ended. | A day to honor military spouses and families. | The day to honor all members of the U.S. Armed Forces. | A commemoration of men and women who died in service.
A Federal holiday. |
[2]
How Can We Celebrate National Military Appreciation Month in Phoenix, Arizona?
How can you participate in National Military Appreciation Month in your city? Concerts, rallies, parades, runs and a host of other events will be held throughout the month of May in and around Phoenix, Arizona. Below is just a sampling of the celebrations you could attend.
| Date | May 1, 2019 | May 11, 2019 | May 13, 2019 | May 19, 2019 | May 27, 2019 |
| Event | 2019 “Salute Across America” Tour | A Celebration of Christian Music & Tribute to Veterans | 13th Annual Flagstaff Armed Forces Day Parade | Battle of the Branches 5k Fun Run | 2019 Memorial Day 1 Mile, 5K & 10K Virtual Run |
| Details | A 20+ city tour across the U.S. paying tribute to veterans and patriots. | Artist Charlie Coleman performs Christian music in a tribute to veterans. | A parade honoring members of the Armed Forces and veterans. | A 5k run/walk competition to honor your favorite branch of the military held by EMPACT Suicide Prevention Center. | Support Operation Gratitude, an organization meeting the needs of U.S. Military communities, with this virtual run. |
| Location | Chandler, AZ | Goodyear, AZ | Flagstaff, AZ | Phoenix, AZ | Phoenix, AZ |
| Link to Learn More | Get Details | Get Details | Get Details | Get Details | Get Details |
Show Appreciation for Service Members, Veterans and Military Families
The best way to celebrate National Military Appreciation Month is to thank the service members and veterans in your life. There’s no greater service than risking life and limb to protect one’s country and democracy. We have the U.S. Armed Forces to thank for the freedom and security we enjoy each and every day.
As a Military Friendly School, the instructors and staff at The Refrigeration School strive to support the military community all throughout the year. We’re grateful to their service and aim to make the transition from military to civilian life as smooth as possible while in any of our trade school programs for reentry into the workforce.
During this National Military Appreciation Month, all of us at RSI would like to say thank you to service members, veterans and their families!
Additional Sources
[1] https://www.military.com/military-appreciation-month
[2] https://militarybenefits.info/national-military-appreciation-month/
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