Ways to Show Support: National Military Appreciation Month

With Memorial Day right around the corner, we want to highlight the importance of the Month of May for the military community. The month of May was declared National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM) in 1999. It serves as a symbol of unity and it encourages Americans to observe the month while remembering the sacrifices and the history behind it all.

Led by veterans, we at Advantis Government Solutions focus on the veteran community to ensure our approach to business honors those who have contributed to our safety and continue to do so. The most popular holidays commemorating historical military events tend to lack focus and historical appreciation.

In honor of NMAM, we are creating awareness through education and sharing the history behind military holidays. We hope this contributes to public awareness and appreciation for our military community.

There are several national observances throughout the month of May that spotlight those who have served. We would like to focus on 2 in particular, Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day. The following information was derived from Military Benefits website:

‍Notable Observances During National Military Appreciation Month

Armed Forces Day

This year Armed Forces Day lands on a Saturday - May 15th, 2021.
This holiday is observed and celebrated the third Saturday in May every year.

Future Armed Forces Day Dates

• May 21, 2022
• May 20, 2023
• May 18, 2024
• May 17, 2025
• May 16, 2026

About the Observance

A single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country. Armed Forces Day is a joint celebration of all six branches of the U.S. military: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and the newly created Space Force. The day honors all people currently serving in the U.S. armed forces. This includes the men and women who have served or are serving in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard, including the National Guard and Reserve components.

How to celebrate: Attend one of the many events in cities across America including parades, military service displays, educational exhibits, luncheons, motorcycle rides, run/walk races and much more. Also, since Armed Forces Day is not a federal holiday, many military installations are available for public viewing for those wishing to take part in the celebration or to learn more about our country’s military.

More Ways to Celebrate

• Wear red, white and blue
• American flag-raising
• Thank a man or woman who serves or has served
• Talking with or writing to a military member
• Donate to veteran or military-based organizations
• Send care packages for those serving overseas
• Volunteer through the VA or a veterans service organization

Memorial Day

This year Memorial Day lands on a Monday - May 31st, 2021.
It is a Federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May.

Future Memorial Day Dates

• May 30, 2022
• May 29, 2023
• May 27, 2024
• May 26, 2025
• May 25, 2026
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About the Observance

A remembrance of our veterans.  Commemorates the men and women who have passed while in military service. All Americans are encouraged to pause, wherever they are, at 3:00 pm local time for a minute of silence.

Memorial Day Events & Activities to Honor Those Who Passed

• Visit cemeteries and memorials.
• Attend Memorial Day ceremonies.
• Volunteer to place an American Flag on each grave in national cemeteries.
• Observe a minute of silence at 3:00 PM, local time.
• Attend a Memorial Day parade, festival, fair or concert such as the National Memorial Day Concert.
• Run for charity on Memorial Day weekend.
• Volunteer to support events such as the National Memorial Day Parade.
• Donate to veterans and military support groups.
• Wear Blue.

Ways to Support our Military and Veterans during NMAM

1. Display the American Flag at your home or business
2. Show your support on social media with #MilitaryAppreciationMonth
3. Share, like, comment, post and re-post on social media to put a spotlight on NMAM events and observances
4. Send a care package to a soldier
5. Encourage elected officials at all levels to recognize our military and veterans
6. See someone in uniform or know a veteran? Thank them for their service or surprise them with a coffee, dessert or drink if they are in line with you
7. Teachers and students can honor or recognize the designated days in their (online) classrooms
8. Businesses can honor and recognize the month through their websites, social media, and newsletters
9. Donate to a veteran or military charity
10. Reach out to a veteran or military family in need
11. Hire a Veteran

Looking to Staff Veterans?

Advantis Government Solutions has embodied the phrase “We know the mission because we lived it.” If you or your organization could benefit from our veteran diversity, contact us today!