Military Appreciation Month

I continue to rumble on my clumsy steps to learn more about what my Marine does. I'm so sorry I did not know May was the month for military appreciation.  In fact, May seems to be a very busy month for the military, sort of speaking.

Military members have a difficult job that requires a lot of commitment and discipline.  They sometimes don't have all the basics while on their missions, away from their families; just cut out of the world for several months.   There are definitively people with very stressing jobs but few deal with the stress of ensuring their own safety and others at the same time.

What makes this month remarkable is that it is THAT special time to show our gratitude for the men and women who serve in the armed forces.  It began in 1999 when the Senate first passed a resolution in designating National Military Appreciation Month. That declaration summoned U.S. citizens to observe the month "in a symbol of unity, … to honor the current and former members of the armed forces, including those who have died in the pursuit of freedom and peace."

Traditionally, May has focused on the military in many ways. For example, Public Service Recognition Week, celebrated the first full Monday through Sunday in May since 1985, recognizes the roles of public servants, including the military, at local, state, regional and federal levels. Communities in all the United States showcase military equipment and service members from U.S. installations. The largest PSRW event takes place on Washington's National Mall, where more than 100 federal agencies, including the military services, put their activities, people and equipment on public display.

Armed Forces Day, created in 1949, is an annual event held on the third Saturday in May, with activities at U.S. military bases around the world.

The month finishes with Memorial Day, a federal holiday on the last Monday in May. Each year on Memorial Day, the White House Commission on Remembrance promotes one minute of silence at 3 p.m. local time to honor the military's fallen comrades and to pay tribute to the sacrifices by the nation's service members and veterans.

As an outsider I can tell you that one of the things that make the US Military so great is how the civilians show respect, care and support for the troops.   They are self-conscious of where their troops are and what they do.  I've see a lot of ignorance about military in other countries were the pride is only carried by the service members.  Where I live they are not fans of the Americans so me trying to support the American troops, even though they are allies, was not going to work.  So I thought about doing something for their troops but people just don't care, even though they do have military deployed in Afghanistan and other countries. 

I’m going to show my appreciation! -even if I look like a crazy woman with a flag of the US on European soil- lol.

Here are some ideas on how to show your appreciation:

1. Offer to help the family of a deployed service member in your community. A small gesture such as mowing the grass, cooking a meal, taking care of a pet or babysitting the kids goes a long way.
2. Extend your hand and say thanks. Simply acknowledging their service and thanking them personally means a great deal.  My Marine's face lights up every time. 
3. Make a donation of money or time to a military organization or Family Readiness Group in your area. A financial or in-kind gift helps the mission abroad by supporting the families at home.  

And finally, I will send my Marine an email with a nice picture and a kiss.

THANK YOU!




References:
Harper, Gene. "May is National Military Appreciation Month", About.com. http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/generalinfo/a/milappreciation.htm