There are celebratory days throughout the year that are tied to our military — from each branch’s birthday to Veterans Day and more, the calendar is full.
The month of May alone has several. Here’s a closer look:
Military Spouse Appreciation Day
The Friday before Mother’s Day — May 9 this year — honors the commitment and sacrifice our spouses of servicemembers make day in and day out while their loved one is away. The day was first observed in 1984.
Along with tremendous strength and love of country, military spouses often endure job losses, must adjust to new environments, and learn survival skills with the frequent and often unexpected developments that come with being a servicemember’s spouse.
U.S. Coast Guard servicemembers participate in an Independence Day Parade on Alameda Island, Calif., on July 4, 2023 (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Hunter Schnabel).
The importance of Armed Forces Day is to honor our military and acknowledge everything they do to protect this great country.
Some ways to commemorate this important day: flying the American flag; wearing red, white, and blue; donating to military support organizations like the American Legion Auxiliary; attending an Armed Forces Day parade; sending a care package to a servicemember away from home; or simply saying “Thank you” to a military servicemember.
National Poppy Day®
Poppy Day is celebrated in countries around the world. The American Legion Family brought National Poppy Day® to the United States by asking Congress to designate the Friday before Memorial Day as National Poppy Day. This year, it falls on May 23.
The red poppy has been a nationally recognized symbol of sacrifice worn by Americans since World War I to honor those who served and died for our country in all wars. Led by the American Legion Auxiliary, each year members of The American Legion Family distribute poppies with a request that the person receiving the flower make a donation to support the future of veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families with medical and financial needs.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. For many of us, it’s a day off work or school and the unofficial start to summer. Before firing up the barbecue or taking a dip in the swimming pool May 26, consider paying your respects to our fallen heroes by taking part in a Memorial Day event around your community. Here are some ideas:
Attend a Memorial Day ceremony
Most communities host some type of Memorial Day ceremony. By doing a Google search or checking
your local news outlets, you can find out what’s going on in your area.
Place a flag/poppy on the graves of veterans
Check to see if a group in your community has organized plans to decorate the graves of fallen servicemembers. Review and adhere to cemetery guidelines.
Observe the National Moment of Silence at 3 p.m.
Congress passed The National Moment of Remembrance Act to honor America’s fallen heroes. Per the law, Americans — wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day — are encouraged to pause for one minute as part of an act of national unity.
