Armed Forces Day is May 20, 2023 celebrating the men and women who serve in the armed forces.
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 commemoration days in May:
Military Spouse Appreciation Day is May 12, 2023 celebrating these unsung heroes who serve and sacrifice alongside their service members, helping keep our military strong.
Victory in Europe Day (VE) is May 8, 2023 remembering the end of World War II in Europe when Britain and its Allies accepted Nazi Germany’s surrender.
Memorial Day is May 29, 2023 honoring and mourning military personnel who died serving in the U.S. military.
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