Celebrating the Sacrifices of Our Service Members: Military Appreciation Month

May is Military Appreciation Month in the United States, a time to honor and thank the men and women who have served or are currently serving in the country's armed forces. This month-long observance has a rich history and offers many ways for people to show their gratitude.

The History and People Who Started Military Appreciation Month

Military Appreciation Month was coined in the early 20th century. In 1921, the American War Mothers started a campaign to have a day to honor all military personnel, both past and present. This effort eventually led to the creation of Armed Forces Day in 1949.

In 1999, Senator John McCain rallied legislation to designate May as Military Appreciation Month. This designation was meant to expand upon the existing observances of Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day, and to provide a more comprehensive tribute to the men and women who have served in the military.

Since then, Military Appreciation Month has become an annual tradition, with various events, ceremonies and discounts offered throughout the country to honor those who have sacrificed so much for their country. Events and ceremonies held throughout May include:

• Military Spouse Appreciation Day (May 12)
• Armed Forces Day (May 20)
• Memorial Day (May 29)
• National Memorial Day Parade (May 29)

Why We Celebrate Military Appreciation Month

There are many reasons why we celebrate Military Appreciation Month. One of the most important is to recognize the sacrifices that members of the military have made to protect our country and its values. These men and women have put their lives on the line to defend our freedom and way of life, and it is important that we show them our gratitude and appreciation.

Another reason to celebrate Military Appreciation Month is to raise awareness about the challenges that veterans and their families face. Many veterans struggle with physical and mental health issues, and it’s important to support them as they transition back to civilian life.

Finally, Military Appreciation Month is a time to come together as a community and show our support for the military. Whether through volunteer work, donations, or simply saying "thank you" to a veteran or service member, we can all make a difference in the lives of those who have served our country.

How to Celebrate Military Appreciation Month

There are many ways to celebrate National Military Appreciation Month. Here are just a few ideas:

• Attend a Memorial Day ceremony: Memorial Day is the most well-known day of Military Appreciation Month, and attending a ceremony to honor fallen soldiers is a great way to show your support.
• Volunteer with a veteran's organization: There are many organizations that work to support veterans and their families, such as the USO, Wounded Warrior Project, and Disabled American Veterans. Consider volunteering your time or making a donation to support their efforts.
• Say "thank you" to a service member or veteran: Simply thanking a service member or veteran for their service can mean a lot. You can also write a letter or send a care package to a service member who is currently deployed.
• Fly a flag: Flying an American flag is a great way to show your patriotism and support for the military.
• Attend a military-themed event: Many communities host events during Military Appreciation Month, such as parades, concerts, and festivals. Attending one of these events is a fun way to show your support while also learning more about the military.

Why Transitioning Service Members Members and Veterans Make Excellent Candidates for Careers in Tech

If you’re a transitioning service member or veteran reading this, while you may be retiring or already retired from the military, your career potential in the tech industry is still very strong. While entering the civilian workforce is daunting, the fact of the matter is, employers want to hire you. Here’s a few reasons why:

1. Soft skills are becoming increasingly important in tech jobs.
2. Clearances are in demand in tech.
3. Retiring tech workers widens the skills gap in the federal space.
4. Preparation before your transition is key.

SkillStorm thanks you, our military service members, for your service. Read more about what we do to help transitioning service members and military veterans reach their tech industry career goals: https://skillstorm.com/post-military-program/.