Military Appreciation Month 2021
Without question May is rich with American traditions like honoring our men and women in the Armed Forces of America with a month they can call their own. It’s more than just a free parking stall or a discount on Memorial Day when it comes to buying a previously overpriced BBQ at the local Home Bunker outlet (We didn’t say their name but you get the idea.).
It’s about honoring our active men and women in uniform, veterans and more. It honors those both in and out of the US military.
Since Congress designated that May be National Military Appreciation Month (NMAP) back in 1999 it includes a full cadre of other related holidays such as Military Spouse Appreciation Day and Armed Forces day.
Every branch of the United States military, US Army, US Navy, US Marine Corps, US Air Force and US Coast Guard are honored during May and throughout the National Military Appreciation Month held each years after the proclamation and words of the US President reminding us all of this very important holiday.
What is Military Appreciation Month
The month of May was selected because it has several individual days marked to note our country’s military’s achievements, including Loyalty Day, established in 1921, Victory in Europe (VE) Day commemorating the end of WWII in Europe in 1945, Children of Fallen Patriots Day and Memorial Day held on May 31st of this year.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day as part of National Military Appreciation Month is the one holiday that isn’t about celebrating with excitement. It’s not about a sale a discount or getting free coffee at your local Starbucks. It’s more than that because it has to be.
Here’s some ground rules for Memorial Day Weekend:
1. Don’t wish me a Happy Memorial day. There is nothing happy about brave men and women dying.
2. It’s not a holiday. It’s a remembrance.
3. If you want to know the true meaning, visit Arlington or your local VA, not freaking Disneyland.
4. Don’t tell me how great any one political power is. Tell me about Chesty Puller, George Patton, John Basilone, Dakota Meyer, Kyle Carpenter, Mitchell Paige, Ira Hayes, Chris Kyle and any other heroes too numerous to name. Attend a Bell Ceremony and shed some tears.
5. Don’t tell me I don’t know what I am talking about. I have carried the burden all too many times for my warriors who now stand their post for God.
6. Say a prayer… and then another.
7. Remember the Fallen for all the Good they did while they were here.
8. Reach out and let a Vet know you’re there, we’re losing too many in “peace”