May is National Military Appreciation Month

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Austin Knox
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  On April 30, 1999, Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month giving the nation an opportunity to show their appreciation and support for service members.

Congress selected May due to the numerous days already dedicated to celebrating the military. Loyalty Day, VE Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day all occur during May.

Loyalty Day starts the month off on May 1. It's a special day for people to reaffirm their loyalty to the United States and to recognize the heritage of American freedom.

May 8 is Victory in Europe Day. It commemorates the end of World War II in Europe. It is commonly referred to as VE Day.

Military Spouse Appreciation Day takes place the following day, May 9. President Ronald Reagan created it in 1984 to acknowledge the significant contributions, support and sacrifices of spouses of the Armed Forces.

May 17 is Armed Forces Day. It was created in 1949 to honor those who serve in the military. The city of San Angelo honors those who work on Goodfellow with an appreciation day.

"Goodfellow Appreciation Day is a labor of love for the Chamber staff and participating business members," said Phil Neighbors, San Angelo Chamber of Commerce President.

There will be a free barbeque and family activities at the Goodfellow Recreation Camp on Lake Nasworthy May 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"It is an opportunity to plan a fun time for all students, permanent party and family members, as well as a time to say thank you for your service to our country and your contributions to the San Angelo community," said Neighbors. "Goodfellow is San Angelo's largest employer, and we relish this chance to interact and serve everyone who attends by showing West Texas hospitality on Armed Forces Day."

For more information about Goodfellow Appreciation Day, call the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce 325-655-4136

The best known of the May holidays is Memorial Day. It is a federal holiday, dating from the Civil War era, to honor those who have died in service to the nation. This year Memorial Day falls on May 26.

May is a month for America to honor, remember and recognize those who have served and those now serving.

Nineteenth century political economist and philosopher, John Stuart Mill, gave his patriotic point of view.

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks nothing is worth war is much worse," said Mill. "The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."