How to Show Support and Appreciation for Military

March 2nd, 2011 | Posted by MilitaryGifts in Military Gifts by Branch

Most people in the United States are grateful for the men and women serving in the military that provide them with the freedoms they have. Too often this appreciation goes unnoticed simply because individuals don’t know how to adequately show or convey their gratitude to individual soldiers.

Selected Crystal Gifts

Show appreciation on these Official Days.

Name	Date
Military Appreciation Days	May 1 – 31, 2011
Armed Force Day	21-May
Military Spouse Appreciation Day	13-May
Memorial Day	30-May
Veterans Day	11-Nov

1. Military Appreciation Day

Military Appreciation Day is an event organized by volunteers to provide a day of fishing for our Active Duty Military, Guard and Reservists. The event also includes activities for their families and a southern style cookout.

Celebration
- Many hospitality industries give a free “Thank you” dinner to any person who has ever served in the United Stated Military on its Military Appreciation Monday.
- Military appreciation night – Performance team will pay homage to the men and women who serve our country as it hosts the Military Appreciation evening party on appreciation day.
- Fundraising and volunteer activities – Which help military family enjoy better life and help some family get out of difficult including disease, disaster.

2. Military Spouse Appreciation Day

It is a day that is set aside each year to recognize and honor the contributions and sacrifices of military spouses.

The history of Military Spouse Appreciation Day – In 1984, then President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the Friday before Mother’s Day to be designated as Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Since then, each President and senior military leaders have echoed the sentiments expressed by President Reagan.
How to celebrate Military Spouse Appreciation Day
- National Military Spouse Appreciation Day means the laundry and housekeeping fairies will show up at your house while the cabana boy will hand you drinks with umbrellas by the pool.
- Every friend and relative show love and concern by the military spouse appreciation day gifts.
- Inviting every military spouse and family enjoy the Military Spouse Appreciation Day Part which organized by local government and volunteers.

3. Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day is always celebrated on the third Saturday in May to honor all American military personnel. There are many ways you can participate and celebrate the occasion:

Attend a military air show – Most air shows are held during the middle to late May. Local media will provide air show information and any other celebration details, or you can call the Public Information Office at your nearest military installation
Sending a care package to military – A military care package can bring the comforts of home to those who are so far away for so long.
Fly the flag on Armed Forces Day – There are many guidelines for displaying the American flag properly, with respect to the flag itself, as well as to any other flags that may be displayed along with it.
Attend a parade – Find out in advance where it is and get there early enough to find a good spot to view it from. Take your camera if you want to capture some memories from the occasion.
The educational Armed Force Day – Plan lessons for school students in the lead up to the event. Educators could write lesson plans reviewing the history of the American military. Develop a thematic approach to incorporate reading, writing, social studies and a craft that are focused on Armed Forces.

4. Veterans Day

A federal holiday, it is observed on November 11.Veterans Day is an annual United States holiday honoring military veterans. It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world.

History

To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations. – U.S. President Woodrow Wilson

The U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed an Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. In proclaiming the holiday

Celebration
- Enjoy Holiday- Many Americans have day off from school or work for Veterans Day. Non-essential federal government offices are closed. No mail is delivered. All federal employees are paid for the holiday; those who are required to work on the holiday sometimes receive wages for that day in addition to holiday pay.
- Veterans Day Food – The holiday is often celebrated by having a ravioli meal.
- Veterans Day Event – Including Veterans Day party, show, parade and the a U.S.-based program which supports military personnel and their families, offer help with résumé writing, networking, and mentoring for veterans transitioning to civilian life.

5. Memorial Day

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May. The actual Monday dates for 2009 – 2015 are listed below.

Year	Memorial Day
2009	25-May
2010	31-May
2011	30-May
2012	28-May
2013	27-May
2014	26-May
2015	25-May

History

The first known observance of Memorial Day was in Charleston, South Carolina in 1865; freedmen (freed enslaved Africans) celebrated at the Washington Race Course, today the location of Hampton Park, and each year thereafter.

Traditional Observance

Meeting – During this day, several Marion groups gathered in Marion Friday morning to remember a war hero.
Visiting cemeteries and memorials – Many people observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. local time.
National Memorial Day Concert – The National Memorial Day Concert takes place on the west lawn of the United States Capitol. The concert is broadcast on PBS and NPR. Music is performed, and respect is paid to the men and women who gave their lives for their country.
Flag of the United States – One of traditions is to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff from dawn until noon local time.

Other occasions show appreciation: