The Story Behind the Month
In 1999, Senator John McCain championed a bill to designate May as National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM), weaving together a tapestry of historic milestones. Why May? It’s anchored in Victory in Europe Day (May 8, 1945) and culminates in Memorial Day, a poignant tribute to fallen heroes. But NMAM isn’t just about dates, it’s a collective embrace of the 15.8 million veterans, 1.29 million active-duty troops, and their families who shoulder the weight of freedom
Key Military-Related Dates in May
This isn’t just one day of recognition, it’s a full month packed with important observances:
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May 1 – Loyalty Day
Celebrates American freedom and patriotism. -
First Week of May – Public Service Recognition Week
Honors civilian government employees, including those in defense. -
May 8 – Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day)
Marks the end of World War II in Europe. -
Second Friday of May – Military Spouse Appreciation Day
Acknowledges the strength and sacrifice of military spouses. -
Third Saturday of May – Armed Forces Day
Salutes all those currently serving. -
Last Monday of May – Memorial Day
Honors those who lost their lives in service to our country.
Do Americans Appreciate the Military?
According to the 2024 Blue Star Families Military Lifestyle Survey, the answer is: not enough.
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“Only 19% of active-duty families feel genuinely appreciated by the civilian public.”
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“45% of civilians think they’re showing appreciation.”
When less than 1% of the population serves, it’s easy for the rest of us to forget just how much our military families sacrifice.
Military Appreciation Month isn’t just a ceremonial calendar entry. It’s a reminder that we live in freedom because of the people who’ve raised their hands and sworn an oath to defend it.
This May, let’s do more than remember. Let’s reconnect, recognize, and say thank you in ways that truly matter.
Because service deserves more than silence, and gratitude should never go out of style.
If this post moved you, consider sharing it with a friend or your local community group. The more people who know, the more support our military families will feel.
Sources:
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Senate Resolution 33 (106th Congress)
U.S. Congress. Senate Resolution 33 – Designating May 1999 as National Military Appreciation Month. 106th Congress. April 30, 1999.
Available at: https://www.congress.gov/bill/106th-congress/senate-resolution/33/text -
Wikipedia – National Military Appreciation Month
Wikipedia contributors. National Military Appreciation Month. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Last updated: March 2025.
Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Military_Appreciation_Month -
Blue Star Families – Military Family Lifestyle Survey 2024 (PDF)
Blue Star Families. 2025 Military Family Lifestyle Survey. Blue Star Families, 2025.
Available at: https://bluestarfam.org/research/mfls-survey-release-2025/
