May is National Military Appreciation Month

The United States of America celebrates National Military Appreciation Month every May. In 1999, Congress deemed May as National Military Appreciation Month to ensure our country has the opportunity to publicly display our appreciation for United States military veterans, active duty service members, guard members, and reserve members. This month-long observance honors the sacrifices made by all United States military branches - the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force, National Guard, and Reserve units.

This May, give thanks to those who have put their life on the line to protect this country! There are many ways to support United States military troops of the past and present. Check out these thoughtful, distinctive gifts for military veterans, or consider performing a kind act of service for your beloved military member. Ways to celebrate military members include baking a sweet treat, buying a coffee, going on a walk in the park, having a family picnic, sharing military experiences, and simply saying thanks. In addition, many American businesses offer special discounts and coupons for military troops and veterans in honor of their service to this country, so stay on the lookout for those sweet deals all month long!

First Responder and Military Holidays to Celebrate in May

In addition to an entire month of dedicating our thanks to the United States military, there are many special days scattered throughout May that support first responders, military branches, and military families. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for these six first responder and military holidays!

International Firefighters’ Day | May 4, 2022

Celebrate and support U.S. firefighters on International Firefighters’ Day! Wear and display red and blue ribbons pinned together or participate in a local memorial service or recognition event to show your appreciation. Also, check out these gifts for first responders if you want to hand them something personal. 

Pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by past firefighters on the first Sunday in May at noon. At this time, sound off your sirens to respect the firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. 

Military Spouse Appreciation Day | May 6, 2022

President Ronald Reagan first recognized this holiday in 1984. Military Spouse Appreciation Day supports the husbands and wives of military service members. Let’s recognize all that military spouses do for our community, families, and troops. 

Armed Forces Day | May 15, 2022

Armed Forces Day is celebrated on May 15 to pay tributes who all have served in the United States Armed Forces. As stated by President Truman in the Presidential Proclamation of February 27, 1950, “Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, marks the first combined demonstration by America’s defense team of its progress, under the National Security Act, toward the goal of readiness for any eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense.”

Peace Officers Memorial Day | May 15, 2022

In combination with National Police Week, Peace Officers Memorial Day serves the federal, state, and local law enforcement officers who died or were disabled while serving their country. May 15 is a great day to celebrate your police officers and wave the thin blue line American flag!

National Police Week | May 15-21, 2022

Starting on Peace Officers Memorial Day, this week celebrates and honors United States police officers of the past and present. Since Congress established this national week in 1962, Americans spend these dates paying their respects to law enforcement officers who lost their lives while protecting others.

Memorial Day | May 31, 2022

This federal holiday in the United States mourns all United States military personnel who have died while serving this country. This holiday has been observed at the end of May since 1868, several years after the conclusion of the Civil War. Get out to the lake house or heat up your backyard BBQ grill this Memorial Day weekend. This patriotic holiday typically marks the opening of pools and the beginning of summertime for Americans! There’s hardly a better way to celebrate your fallen military members than by partaking in warm, energetic, patriotic activities.

Old Southern Brass’s Monthly State of the Union: In the News

We’re focused on the military this month, so let’s cover notable United States military news updates. Let these stories ignite fire and passion in your heart during National Military Appreciation Month.

Honor American Soldiers Fighting Alongside Ukraine

As the devastating conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, American troops are becoming more involved. In addition to the military weapons supplied by Biden, troops are stationed throughout Europe to provide assistance. Some American soldiers are fighting alongside Ukrainian forces because they believe in what Ukraine is fighting for: their freedom. 

It has been confirmed that U.S. citizen, Willy Cancel, was killed in Ukraine while courageously standing alongside Ukrainian soldiers in battle. Let Willy, the first U.S. citizen to be killed while fighting in Ukraine, cross your mind throughout the month of May and on Memorial Day this year. While other countries don’t have much of a choice but to fight and defend their country, this young hero willingly traveled overseas to help people during heartbreaking times.

U.S. Veterans Assist War-Torn Towns in Ukraine

U.S. Army veteran and former police officer Chris Loverro is among the thousands of Americans rushing to Ukraine's defense against the Russian invasion. Loverro has been supplying truck deliveries to some of Ukraine's towns hit hard by Russian forces and war crimes. Alongside the organization Volunteer Hundred, Loverro and other volunteers are raising donation money for food, medical supplies, children and baby supplies, clothing, and other necessities. This group is based in the Ukrainian city Lviv, and they have been organizing convoys to deliver the goods to the battle-scarred areas in Ukraine like Bucha. Loverro stated that this organization took him in as family, and everyone involved was united by the same purpose of helping others.

May Military History Highlight: Memorial Day

Decoration Day, 1868

Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of a Union veteran organization called the Grand Army of the Republic established Decoration Day. This May 30th holiday was dedicated to decorating the graves of those who died during the war with flowers. 

Both Union and Confederate graves were decorated and honored starting in 1866, before the establishment of this holiday. Some of these notable cities include Richmond, Virginia; Boalsburg, Pennsylvania; Carbondale, Illinois; Columbus, Georgia; and Macon, Georgia. However, one particular location is deemed the birthplace of Memorial Day: Waterloo, New York. In this city, on May 5, 1866, local veterans of the Civil War were honored by residents, and businesses shut down in respect of those who lost their lives during battle.

Memorial Day, 1971

Ceremonies observing fallen troops were held every May 30 for many years throughout our nation until World War I. Starting in 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday, and its celebration date was changed to the last Monday in May.

National Moment of Remembrance, 2000

The United States Congress passed The National Moment of Remembrance Act in December 2000 to ensure that our country remembers the sacrifices of America’s fallen warriors. The White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance was also created at this time, encouraging United States citizens to give back to their free and opportunistic country. We are all reminded to pause at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day to engage in a moment of silence and recall and honor service members who died while protecting our nation. Carmella LaSpada, The Moment of Remembrance founder, stated, “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.”

What’s Coming in May at Old Southern Brass?

In honor of Military Appreciation Month, we’re spending May highlighting special military charities. Additionally, we'll donate a larger portion of our proceeds to select nonprofits, hand out special military deals and coupons, and offer a distinctive Old Southern Brass rewards program that supports the United States military. 

Check your inbox and phone for emails and texts about these deals and opportunities! Happy Military Appreciation Month, fellow American patriots!