National Military Appreciation Month is a month-long effort to show members of the military our appreciation for their service and sacrifice. Arizona Sen. John McCain and California Rep. Duncan Hunter sponsored the legislation that initiated this effort in 1999.

Descended from a line of distinguished Navy men, McCain was shot down over Vietnam while serving as a pilot in October 1967. He spent more than five years as a prisoner-of-war until his release in 1973. Likewise, Duncan Hunter served in the United States Marine Corps in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

The legislation calling for the National Military Appreciation Month to be set in May also had the backing of 50-plus veteran organizations. May is fitting because five other holidays centered around the Armed Forces are celebrated during the same month: Loyalty Day, VE Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day.

The resolution put forth by the congressmen outlined their motives for recognizing May as National Military Appreciation Month. They hoped it would help reinforce to Americans that their freedom is the result of the commitment and sacrifice made by all service members. Individuals have ensured this since the first branches of the military were established in 1775. Many paid with their lives as a result. Others suffered physical or psychological injury. That’s why they felt Americans needed to reflect on the sacrifice service members made — and continue to make. Their families warrant recognition too. The men and women of the Armed Forces need their support. And these family members make sacrifices every day to permit their sons, daughters, fathers, mothers and spouses to serve.

Thank a Service Member

As Americans, it is our duty to show appreciation to the military during May. You are probably wondering, “How can I do that?” Fortunately, there are several ways you can show your appreciation and respect for these service members.

Consider donating to a veterans organization or your local VFW. The Wounded Warrior Project is a wonderful organization to support. And there are plenty of other great groups out there. Just do a quick Google search.

Sometimes the simple things also leave a lasting impact. Shake hands with and thank a soldier or a veteran or cover the cost of his or her groceries.

With some Memorial Day events and parades still being canceled, why not order some small flags from Amazon and place them on the graves of soldiers in your local cemetery? Or hang an American flag or specific branch of the Armed Forces flag on your door or outside your home to show your support?

Pen a letter to a veteran or soldier expressing your appreciation. Support Our Troops will forward a personalized letter to a deployed service member. Try contacting a local nursing home to see if you can write an anonymous letter to a veteran. If you know a veteran or soldier, drop a letter in the mail thanking him or her for the service. It will be a pleasant surprise upon opening the mailbox.

The point is that your act doesn’t have to be elaborate. We are all busy and hardly have enough time even for ourselves these days. Most of these acts would take less than an hour or, in some instances, a few seconds out of your day. An act as outlined above will leave you feeling good that you did your part. So do your duty as an American this May by showing your appreciation for the Armed Forces.

*Updated April 2021