Military Appreciation Month dedicates the entire month of May to recognizing the service and sacrifices of U.S. armed forces, both past and present. This annual observance encourages Americans to reflect on the commitment of military personnel and their families. Take time to thank a service member, support veteran organizations, or learn more about military history.
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Expected Military Appreciation Month Deals
Throughout Military Appreciation Month, many businesses and organizations extend special recognition and offers to active-duty military, veterans, and their families. While specific 2027 promotions will be announced closer to May, expect ongoing military discounts from retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot, often requiring military ID. Restaurants such as Texas Roadhouse and Golden Corral frequently host special events or offer free meals. Financial institutions like USAA and Navy Federal Credit Union continue their tailored services and community support initiatives. Additionally, veteran-owned businesses often run promotions, and organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project engage in fundraising drives. We will update this page with confirmed live deals and events as May approaches.
Platform Guide for Military Appreciation Month
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #MilitaryAppreciationMonth. Share stories of military members in your workplace or network.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #MilitaryAppreciationMonth. Share news, historical facts, and ways to support service members.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #MilitaryAppreciationMonth. Share community events, personal stories, and resources for military families.
Military Appreciation Month Hero
Senator John McCain
History of Military Appreciation Month
The American military was founded even before the country itself. To fight the British and gain independence for the future United States, the Continental Congress created the army in 1775. After winning the Revolutionary War, the Founding Fathers didn’t intend to have a standing army. They disbanded the Continental Army and called for the “well-armed militias” that have become a flashpoint in today’s debate over the Second Amendment.
Today, the U.S. military is the world’s largest employer, with close to 3.5 million personnel employed in one way or another. The U.S. Department of Defense hires more people than any other organization or corporation in the world. By contrast, Wal-Mart, the largest private company, has 2.2 million employees worldwide.
Military personnel work in a variety of jobs, and many never see combat at all. After their service, they go on to hold important civilian jobs in many fields including information security, IT, commercial airline flight, corporate management, and more.
Military Appreciation Month honors everyone who has served in a branch of the U.S. military and reminds us that we owe many of our freedoms to the sacrifices made by military personnel. The month-long celebration was formally introduced by Senator John McCain in 1999, using a month that marks many important military anniversaries to highlight the contributions of our troops. In addition to keeping the country safe during wartime, the U.S. military also conducts important research that has led to many important and useful civilian technologies that we use every day like GPS, canned food, and jet engines.
Military Appreciation Month timeline
President Clinton's "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy, which barred openly gay or bisexual people from military service, is repealed by a federal appeals court and Congress.
The United States drops two atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing more than 200,000 people, ending the war on the Western front, and marking the first and only time atomic weapons have been used in war.
Robert E. Lee surrenders to General Grant at Appomattox Courthouse, ending the bloodiest conflict in American history.
The Continental Congress votes to raise ten companies of riflemen, kicking off the American Revolution and effectively creating the U.S. Army.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Military Appreciation Month
Local businesses can honor Military Appreciation Month by offering special discounts or services to active-duty military and veterans, prominently displaying patriotic decorations, or hosting community events that support military families. Restaurants might offer a ‘Hero’s Meal’ throughout May, while retailers could partner with a local veteran charity for a donation drive. Engaging employees who are veterans in recognition ceremonies also fosters a supportive environment.
Military Appreciation Month FAQs
When is Military Appreciation Month?
In 2027, Military Appreciation Month will also take place throughout May, starting on Saturday, May 1. This annual observance provides a consistent period for national recognition and gratitude.
How many Americans serve in the military?
The U.S. military maintains a robust force, with roughly 1.3 million active-duty personnel in 2027, supported by a significant reserve component. These numbers underscore the vast community dedicated to national defense.
What other military observances happen in May?
Beyond the month-long appreciation, May 2027 features several key military dates such as Loyalty Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day (May 7), VE Day (May 8), Armed Forces Day (May 15), and Memorial Day (May 31). Each offers a specific focus for reflection and gratitude.
Is Military Appreciation Month a federal holiday?
Although it holds official recognition from the U.S. government, Military Appreciation Month is an observance rather than a federal holiday in 2027. Its purpose is to foster a spirit of gratitude and support throughout the entire month.
Military Appreciation Month Activities
Thank a military member or veteran
Call a military member you know and thank them for their service. Let them know their efforts aren’t going unseen!
Brush up on your military history
The history of the U.S. military is full of fascinating, epic stories that run the gamut from tragedy to triumph. Take some time to read up on the many ways the military affects American society.
Volunteer with a local veterans’ service organization
Many veterans are elderly, on a fixed income, and even homeless. Find a local organization that supports these vulnerable populations and volunteer to serve some food, distribute supplies, or spend time socializing with veterans who need it.
5 Fascinating Facts About The Military
The internet
The web started during the Cold War as a way to connect computers in different science labs.
GPS
After satellites became more common, a government-funded space-based navigation system from the 1990s became the basis for today's everyday GPS uses.
Walkie talkies
Two-way radios were invented by Motorola on behalf of the U.S. Army in the 1940s – the radios had to be carried on soldiers’ backs as they walked, giving them their now-ubiquitous name.
Duct tape
The Duct Tape we all know and love was invented to help World War II soldiers quickly repair equipment.
Microwave ovens
This technology was accidentally invented by a Raytheon engineer from radar technology invented for the military.
Why We Love Military Appreciation Month
It reminds us to thank our veterans
If you know an active duty soldier or veteran, let them know you appreciate their service this month. Send them a small gift or card to thank them for their sacrifice.
We can appreciate democracy
Veterans often engage in conflicts to help preserve the values of democracy. To honor their sacrifices, we can help our communities, serve those less fortunate than us, and exercise our rights to vote and engage with our elected officials.
It reminds us of all the contributions the military makes
The military doesn’t just wage war. In peacetime, military personnel and reservists assist with relief efforts during storms, earthquakes, disease outbreaks, and other natural disasters.
Social Media Tips for Military Appreciation Month
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