A little bit of news… but not too much.
May is Military Appreciation Month
Military Appreciation Month takes place every year throughout the month of May to pay tribute to present and past military veterans and their families. Throughout the month are several specific military holidays including Loyalty Day, VE Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Armed Forces Day, and Memorial Day. Though three holidays have passed, there’s still time to acknowledge the last two…
Loyalty Day: May 1, 2022
One of the lesser-known Military Appreciation Month holidays is Loyalty Day, celebrated on May 1. Officially designated by Congress as “a special day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom,” Loyalty Day has been marked by every U.S. president since 1958 with an official proclamation. The first Loyalty Day was called “Americanization Day” and was celebrated in 1921. It was renamed “Loyalty Day” by President Eisenhower in 1955.
VE Day: May 8, 2022
Marking the end of World War II on the European front on May 8, 1945, VE Day is short for “Victory in Europe Day”. This year marks the 77th anniversary of VE Day.
Military Spouse Appreciation Day: May 6, 2022 (The Friday Before Mother’s Day)
Military Spouse Appreciation Day honors the military spouses who sacrifice so much in support of their service member’s mission. President Ronald Regan first proclaimed “Military Spouse Day” a holiday in 1984 and Congress declared it part of Military Appreciation Month in 1999:
Armed Forces Day: May 21, 2022 (The Third Saturday in May)
On Armed Forces Day, Americans celebrate their military forces. Unlike Veterans Day, which honors those who wore the cloth of our nation at war, and unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who died wearing the cloth of our nation at war, Armed Forces Day is the proper day to honor both the men and women currently serving, as well as those who have previously served to defend our freedom. Armed Forces Day was created on August 31, 1949, by Secretary of Defense, Louis Johnson, to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days.
Memorial Day: May 30, 2022 (The Last Monday in May)
Memorial Day honors service members who have died in military service to the nation. The holiday dates back to the post-Civil War era when citizens would place spring flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers. Placing wreaths on the graves of fallen soldiers continues today.
Former shipmates in 1946, Bill McGee (left) and Larry “Salty” Trueax (right) lay a wreath in the water from the deck of the USS Massachusetts on Memorial Day 1997, Battleship Cove, Massachusetts. (Photo Sandra V. McGee)
Hope you enjoyed this bit of history. ‘Til next time, stay well and take care. As always, I’m open all day and night for your comments and suggestions…
Best, Sandra
I wasn’t aware of all of these, Sandra. Thanks for educating me!