Military Spouse Appreciation Day:
Friday, May 8, 2020. This day always falls on the Friday before Mother’s Day.
This day honors military spouses with ceremonies that call attention to the important role military families play in supporting our men and women in uniform. President Reagan issued a proclamation for the day in 1984 and Congress adopted it in 1999.
Armed Forces Week/Armed Forces Day:
Saturday, May 16, 2020. It is celebrated the third Saturday in May every year.
Armed Forces Week is held in the days leading up to Armed Forces Day. Armed Forces Day celebrates the sacrifices of all military members. It honors all of the U.S. Military branches; the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, and the new Space Force.
Memorial Day:
Monday, May 25, 2020. Perhaps the paramount celebration of the month. Memorial Day is a Federal holiday that is always observed on the last Monday in May.
Memorial Day honors those select veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice in their service to our country. Nearly all of the schools in the country have ceremonies that honor the dead of our military and their selfless service. Americans are encouraged to pause, wherever they are, at 3:00 pm local time for a minute of silence.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, many of the public events may be severely curtailed or canceled. However, that does not mean that we can do nothing. So, if citizens are looking for ways to give back to our military community this month, they can do some of the following:
Send a Care Package to Troops Overseas:
We have tens of thousands of troops overseas. Many of them are in harm’s way serving in combat zones in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, as well as different parts of Africa and Asia.
Operation Gratitude is a 501(c) (3) non-profit. Since 2003 it has sent over 2.6 million care packages to military members around the world.
Assist a Disabled Veteran:
With the ongoing pandemic, volunteering for service at a VA hospital or Soldier’s Home will probably be out of the question for many. However, we all know veterans in our communities. Many of them are older and have trouble getting around. We can reach out and do some grocery shopping, some basic yard work, or pharmacy pickups for them. Sometimes just the simple act of reaching out to our older veterans goes a long way.
Aid a Spouse of a Deployed Military Member:
Between balancing kids and all of the daily chores needed to keep a household afloat being a spouse of a deployed military member is a tough enough job by itself. With the current coronavirus situation and the families quarantined, that level of difficulty has increased.
Reaching to spouses of military members and offering your help with some daily tasks can really assist them.
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