Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month on April 30, 1999, to ensure that the nation was given the opportunity to publicly show appreciation for troops past and present. The month-long observance serves as a reminder of the profound contributions made by service members. May was chosen since several military-related observances, in addition to Memorial Day, are already commemorated in May. Then Senator John McCain proposed the observance, and the Senate approved it 93-0.
Today, May 10, is Military Spouse Appreciation Day. With Proclamation 5184 on April 17, 1984, President Ronald Reagan established Military Spouse Appreciation Day. The proclamation recognized the countless sacrifices and contributions made by military spouses since the days of the Continental Army and Navy in putting aside their personal and professional aspirations for their spouse service member. In 1999, Congress made Military Spouse Appreciation Day part of National Military Appreciation Month throughout May. The recognition falls appropriately each year on the Friday before Mother’s Day.
America’s military spouses are the backbone of the families who support our troops during mission, deployment, reintegration, and reset. Military spouses are silent heroes who are essential to the nation’s strength, and they serve our country just like their loved ones.
BVA National Headquarters is pleased to recognize and honor the service of two currently employed military spouses with the Association, Kylie FitzGerald and Andrea Malmer. We recognize both for their dedication and tenure of four-plus years with the Blinded Veterans Association. Two dedicated BVA volunteers, Robert Murphy and Jeanie Murphy, respectively BVA National Auxiliary President and Heartland Regional Group President, were military spouses of one another!
The month of May also recognizes the children of fallen patriots. Some 20,000 children have lost a parent in the line of duty the past 35 years. Their lives were forever changed by this overwhelming sacrifice, which is frequently overlooked. Children of Fallen Patriots Day, on Monday, May 13, applauds their resilience and strength while seeking to raise awareness of this supreme sacrifice and demonstrate appropriate appreciation.
Although not a nationally recognized day of remembrance, governors from across the country have issued proclamations to officially designate May 13 as a day to honor the children. The date was selected as Children of Fallen Patriots Day because it is also the day Arlington National Cemetery was established in 1864. Learn more about this unique recognition and its history here.
