Armed Forces Day is the third Saturday in May, celebrating the men and women who currently serve in the armed forces. It differs from Veterans Day – the day America honors all who have served in the military, during peacetime and war.
May was introduced as National Military Appreciation Month in 1999 by the late Senator John McCain. If not for these heroes’ sacrifices, we would not have our rights and freedoms as U.S. citizens.
“This will remain the land of the free so long as it is the home of the brave.”
–Elmer Davis
Ways to show appreciation:
If you are an employer or faith community leader, consider:
To learn more, click here and here.
If you are a neighbor or community leader, try this:
To learn more, read “Beyond ‘Thank you for your service:’ The Veteran Champion handbook for civilians.” Click here.
Other simple ideas:
Say “Thank you for your service and sacrifices” and ask how you can support them during and after military service. Follow through! Honor them with words and actions!
Ohio State Rep. Adam Miller with U.S. Army Veteran Eric Sowers in front of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio.
Get to know Military/Veteran neighbors. Invite them for coffee, dinner, or a walk/run.
Host a celebratory event in your neighborhood, work or place of worship.
Conduct a care package drive at your school or church.
Invite Service members/Veterans to share their stories and lessons learned from military service.
Other important days in May:
Victory in Europe Day (VE) is May 8th, and commemorates the end of World War II in Europe when Britain and its Allies accepted Nazi Germany’s surrender.
Military Spouse Appreciation Day is the Friday before Mother’s Day and celebrates these unsung heroes who serve and sacrifice alongside their service members, helping keep military families strong.
Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May, honoring and mourning military personnel who died serving in the U.S. military.
Need a Speaker? Questions? Contact Kathy@VanguardVeteran.com or (270) 945-7286. Sign up for Vanguard Veteran’s monthly newsletter, here.
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