The month of May holds a special place in the hearts of military personnel and their families. Why? Because it’s National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM)! The history of this month-long celebration can be traced back to 1999, when it was officially designated by Congress. In the years since, the month of May has become synonymous with recognizing the sacrifices made by current and former members of the United States Armed Forces, as well as expressing gratitude for their service.

May is a fitting time for Military Appreciation Month, as there are already several observances and events that celebrate military personnel during the month of May. These include Loyalty Day on May 1, Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) from May 2–8, Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 7, and, of course, Memorial Day on the last Monday in May.

Wondering how you can participate? You could display the American flag at your home or business. You could also use the hashtag #MilitaryAppreciationMonth when posting to social media. And finally, you can celebrate by taking advantage of special military discounts!