How to Celebrate Military Appreciation Month in 2021

Even if you’re not a veteran, there’s a good chance somebody in your family, your group of friends or your welding classes has spent some time in the Armed Forces. About 7% of the American adult population were veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces in 2018, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.‌^1‌

Out of appreciation for the sacrifice these brave individuals make, the month of May is set aside as National Military Appreciation Month (NMAN).²

Let’s see what kind of events make up this patriotic month, along with some ways you can celebrate and show your appreciation.

What’s the Purpose of Military Appreciation Month?

We’re all familiar with Memorial Day, but this federal holiday is part of an entire month dedicated to members of the Armed Forces.‌²

In 1999, Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month to “promote national awareness of the sacrifices that members of the United States Armed Forces have made in the past and continue to make every day in order…to preserve the freedoms and liberties that enrich the Nation.”³

Every year, the president gives a speech recognizing those who have served and who are currently serving to remind Americans to give thanks.²

What Events Take Place During Military Appreciation Month?

The whole month of May is set aside for military appreciation and recognition. There are specific holidays sprinkled throughout the month to honor and celebrate the present and former service members, their families, spouses and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.²

Loyalty Day: May 1, 2021

Military Appreciation Month kicks off with Loyalty Day, which was designated by Congress to recognize the tradition of freedom in the United States while encouraging a pledge of loyalty to the country.⁴

Public Service Recognition Week: May 2 – 8, 2021

Spanning the first full week of May, Public Service Recognition Week seeks to honor public employees working at both local and national levels, including those serving in the Armed Forces.‌⁵

Military Spouse Appreciation Day: May 8, 2021

The spouses of military members are making a tremendous sacrifice by supporting and encouraging their loved ones in the pursuit of protecting this great nation. Military Spouse Appreciation Day is set aside to show appreciation to these brave men and women.⁶

VE Day: May 8, 2021

Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day for short, celebrates the war heroes and heroines who helped the Allied Forces get Germany to surrender unconditionally, effectively marking the end of World War II on the Eastern Front.⁷

Armed Forces Day: May 15, 2021

While other observances during Military Appreciation Month include former or fallen service members, Armed Forces Day specifically recognizes those brave women and men actively serving in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard.‌⁸

Memorial Day: May 31, 2021

One of the most well-known holidays, Memorial Day is set aside to pay tribute to all members of the Armed Forces who have lost their lives protecting and serving the country.⁹

Where to Celebrate National Military Appreciation Month

Date	May 13, 2021	May 15, 2021	May 18, 2021	May 31, 2021	May 31, 2021
Event	Camp Pendleton Military Spouse Appreciation Day Celebration10	Armed Forces Day Military Ball11	Veteran Appreciation Night12	Memorial Day Celebration13	Memorial Day Ceremony14
Details	Virtual meeting, motivational speakers and giveaways10	Ceremony and dinner11	Informal networking event12	Remembrance and celebration 13	Military exhibits and educational activities14
Location	Virtual10	Houston11	Jacksonville12	Oklahoma City13	Sugarland14
More Info	Details	Details	Details	Details	Details

Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions some events may be cancelled or altered. Visit the specific event website for details.

How Can You Show Thanks This Military Appreciation Month?

With May just around the corner, you may be wondering how you can show your appreciation to service members. Too often, people overthink what they should do or say when a simple “thank you” is the perfect gesture. Both current and former members of the Armed Forces may appreciate hearing these two simple words from family, friends and even fellow students.

At Tulsa Welding School, we’re deeply grateful for the sacrifices that service members and their families make on a daily basis to keep us safe and free. In order to show our appreciation and do our part, we’re committed to helping military members transition from combat to a meaningful career in the skilled trades.

We offer comprehensive vocational training for a variety of skilled trades, helping veterans develop the skills needed for a potentially rewarding career path. We can even help you and your family members understand how to apply your Military Benefits to your vocational education.

The TWS family would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all current and former service members along with their family members and spouses.