May is Officially Military Appreciation Month

Not only do we pause on Memorial Day to remember the sacrifice and service of those who gave all, but the month also holds several other military anniversaries and events, including Military Spouse Appreciation Day and ​Armed Forces Day.

This month we honor the service and sacrifice of our fellow veterans and active-duty members of the ​Army, ​​Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, Space Force and National Guard as well as the contribution of their spouses.
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Six National Military Appreciation Month Observances & Events

​Loyalty Day
Date: Sunday, May 1, 2022
About: Loyalty Day kicks off our Nation’s month-long celebration of military appreciation. It is a day set aside for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States, and to reflect on the proud heritage of our American freedom.

Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW)
Date: Sunday, May 1 – Saturday, May 7, 2022. Celebrated the first full week in May.
About: A time set aside to honor the men and women who serve our nation as federal, state, county and local government employees and ensure that our government is the best in the world.

Victory in Europe Day AKA V-E Day or VE Day
Date: Sunday, May 8th, 2022
About: May 8th, 1945, is the day when Germans throughout Europe unconditionally surrendered to the Allies. This day marked the end of World War II in Europe.
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Military Spouse Appreciation Day
Date: Friday, May 6th, 2022. Traditionally set for the Friday before Mother’s Day.
About: A day to honor military spouses with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Recognizes the important role our military families play in keeping our Armed Forces strong and our country safe.

Armed Forces Day
Date: Saturday, May 21, 2022. Celebrated the third Saturday in May every year.
About: A single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country.  This day honors everyone serving in the U.S. Military branches; Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, Space Force. There is also Armed Forces Week which typically leads up to Armed Forces Day, although it is not an official observance, many activities are planned nonetheless during the week.

Memorial Day
Date: Monday, May 30, 2022. A Federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May.
About: A remembrance of our veterans.  Commemorates the men and women who died while in military service. All Americans are encouraged to pause, wherever they are, at 3:00 pm local time for a minute of silence.

And lesser-known observances:

Month of the Military Caregiver
Date: Month of May
About: Honors more than five million caregivers in the U.S. and pays tribute to the people who care for more than two million veterans.
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Silver Star Service Banner Day
Date: Sunday, May 1, 2022
About: Recognizes those who have been awarded The Silver Star Medal, and remembers the sacrifices of our wounded and ill veterans.
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