May is National Military Appreciation Month, a time that encourages United States citizens to be united in the support of the military forces that protect and serve the country.

Military Appreciation Month also reminds Americans of the important role the U.S. Armed Forces have played in the history and development of the country. It honors the current and former members of the U.S Armed Forces, including the ones who had died in the pursuit of freedom for this country.

This month honors every single role in the military and appreciates them for serving our country, identifying six separate observances throughout the month: 1) Loyalty Day on May 1, 2) Public Service Recognition Week from May 3 – 9, 3) Victory in Europe Day on May 8, 4) Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 8, 5) Armed Forces Day on May 16, and 6) Memorial Day on May 22.

In 1999, Senator John McCain identified May was chosen as National Military Appreciation Month because it has many individual days marked to note our military’s achievements in the country. He wanted Americans to honor their U.S service members and what they had done in their fight for freedom.