May is Military Appreciation Month

May 13, 2009 by Robert.

May 2009 is the 11th annual “Military Appreciation Month” in the USA.In honor of Military Appreciation Month, here’s a plug to help raise a good chunk of money for Operation Gratitude:  

 http://beam.to/vote_for_operation_gratitude_on_facebook  

 Target Corporation donates $3 million each week to their communities.  In a clever Facebook campaign, Target has setup a challenge to Facebook users to vote for one of 10 charities.  The split of the votes will determine the portion of the $3 million that each organization gets. 

 Here are some suggested ways for businesses to participate, from the National Military Appreciation Month organization website: 

• Offer specials, incentives, and discounts to active and retired military ID Card holders.
• Offer special discounts to the public in honor of NMAM.
• Display the Flag and POW/MIA flag during May through June 14, Flag Day.
• Interview military personnel for in-house newsletters.
• Recognize veteran and/or active duty employees and their families.
• Offer bumper stickers, flags, pins and ribbons for employees and customers.
• Make use of Chamber of Commerce, city business committees, and organizations – get them to participate.
• Recite Pledge of Allegiance before meetings.
• Decorate with patriot themes.
• Luncheons to honor employed Guard, Reservists and Retirees.
• Use military themes during meetings.
• Display large banners at employee entrances to reflect pride and thanks for employees called to active duty.
• Place NMAM banners to your website, flyers newspaper ads and inserts (See links page).
• Contribute to the Armed Forces Children’s Education Fund, Inc.
• Contribute to FreedomPens.org
• Seek media recognition regarding your NMAM events – Let others know what you are doing.

National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM), as designated by Congress, provides a period encompassing both the history and recognition of our armed services with an in-depth look at the diversity of its individuals and achievements.  It allows Americans to educate each generation on the historical impact of our military through the participation of the community with those who serve encouraging patriotism and love for America.

 This month gives the nation a time and place on which to focus and draw attention to our many expressions of appreciation and recognition of our armed services via numerous venues and also to recall and learn about our fast American history.  

National Military Appreciation Month (May 2009) includes Loyalty Day (1st), VE Day(8th), Military Spouse Appreciation Day (8th), Armed Forces Day (16th), and Memorial Day (25th).  

This very important month honors, remembers, recognizes and appreciates all military personnel; those men and women who have served throughout our history and all who now serve in uniform and their families as well as those Americans who have given their lives in defense of our freedoms we all enjoy today.  

It recognizes those on active duty in all branches of the services, the National Guard and Reserves plus retirees, veterans, and all of their families - well over 90 million Americans and more than 230 years of our nation’s history.  Let us celebrate them just as we celebrate the other important entities that make up this wonderful country of ours.

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