The Latest Win

Is there a bigger win than life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?

May is Military Appreciation Month

In 1999, May was designated Military Appreciation Month by a resolution of the US Senate.

  • Loyalty Day: May 1, 2023

    One of the lesser-known Military Appreciation Month holidays is Loyalty Day, which is celebrated on May 1. Officially designated by Congress as “a special day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom,” Loyalty Day has been marked by every U.S. president since 1958 with an official proclamation. Source

  • V-E Day: May 8, 2023

    This month we’ll mark the 78th anniversary of “Victory In Europe Day.”  The world rejoiced on the first ever V-E Day on May 8, 1945 as World War II ended in Europe. Source

  • May 7 – May 13: Public Service Recognition Week

    Traditionally celebrated during the first full week of May, Public Service Recognition Week honors all who serve as federal, state, country, and local government employees. It is not commonly celebrated.  Too bad! We love celebrating here at Laurel Rock.  Instead, Public Service Recognition Week is often used  but it is  educate the public about the many varied contributions of government workers. Source

  • Military Spouse Appreciation Day: May 12, 2023

    Every year, the Friday before Mother’s Day is set aside as Military Spouse Appreciation Day, and falls on May 12 this year. Know a military spouse?  Give them some love.  You could give them a hug, a chocolate, pay for their coffee in the line at your local coffee shop. Source

  • Armed Forces Day: May 20, 2023 (the 3rd Saturday in May)

    This day was originally intended to replace individual days celebrating each separate branch of service.  They were all unified under the Department of Defense by the National Security Act in 1947, and the unified Armed Forces Day commenced in 1949.

    Armed Forces Day honors Americans currently serving in the military. It’s distinguished from the November Veteran’s Day, which refers to military personnel who served in war(s), and is followed by Memorial Day at the end of the month. Source

  • Memorial Day: May 29, 2023

    Always celebrated on the final Monday of May, Memorial Day is the most widely recognized holiday in the month of  military-themed observances. Originally dedicated to all Civil War soldiers who perished in the war, it’s expanded to commemorate all American military personnel who have given their lives for the nation. Source

    Is it inappropriate that such mattress sales, swimming pool openings and backyard barbeques have become standard hallmarks of Memorial Day weekend? One could argue for or against that point.  These kinds of celebrations are pretty far from the original and somber purpose of the holiday.  However, none of us would be able to engage in such pursuits without the soldiers who protected our ability to do so with their very lives.

    If you are looking to get back to the intention of this day and the month, try volunteering to put flags on the graves of soldiers with any of the organizations around the country who do so.  You can find a list through this link.

Ways to Support our Military & Veterans

  1. Display the American Flag at your home or business
  2. Show your support on social media with #MilitaryAppreciationMonth
  3. Share, like, comment, post, and re-post on social media to put a spotlight on NMAM events and observances
  4. Send a care package to a soldier
  5. Encourage elected officials at all levels to recognize our military and veterans
  6. See someone in uniform or know a veteran? Thank them for their service or surprise them with a coffee, dessert, or drink if they are in line with you
  7. Teachers and students can honor or recognize the designated days in their (online) classrooms
  8. Businesses can honor and recognize the month through their websites, social media, and newsletters
  9. Donate to a veteran or military charity
  10. Reach out to a veteran or military family in need
  11. Hire a Veteran

Want to celebrate, but aren’t sure how?  We at Laurel Rock have several suggestions.

We really have a passion for celebrating positive things in life.  Some might call it a fever. And the only cure for this particular fever is: Cow Bell.  Lots of Cow Bell, as we were taught by Christopher Walken and Will Ferrell on Saturday Night Live.

Android users, you can get a cowbell app of your very own, to celebrate all the good news in your world HERE.

People of iPhone, your celebration cowbell app is found HERE.

Confetti cannons work for all kinds of celebrations, too.

You can get a 12-pack here.

Then of course, there’s the classic celebration of a dance break.  This is best if you work remotely, on your own, or are the only one still in the office at the time.

Need some inspired moves?  Check these out.