Remembering Service and Sacrifice: May is Military Appreciation Month

May is when Americans recognize the service and sacrifice members of the military and their families have made—and continue to make—for their country.

Introduced by Senator John McCain and designated by Congress in 1999, Military Appreciation Month provides opportunities for Americans to honor and remember those who serve and have served—and recognize and thank those who support them.

2022 observations include:

May 1: Loyalty Day is a time to reflect on American heritage

May 6: Military Spouse Appreciation Day pays tribute to the partners who support service members

May 13: Children of Fallen Patriots Day raises awareness of the struggles facing children of fallen service members

May 21: Armed Forces Day honors those in all branches who are currently serving

May 30: Memorial Day provides a time to pause and remember the service members who sacrificed their futures to ensure ours

May is also Month of the Military Caregiver, which recognizes the people who care for more than two million veterans.

During the month of May, many organizations give back to those who are active military or have previously served. Here is a list of businesses that are offering Military Appreciation Month discounts.

Families, caregivers, active servicemembers, veterans, and retirees face unique circumstances that may require your assistance, and PAR has developed a range of products to help you meet these needs, including the DAPS, the PSS, and the TSI-2 (to assess symptoms of PTSD); the PAS, the PAS-O, and PAI (to evaluate for a broad range of symptoms, including anxiety and depression); and the SDS (to assist veterans with postmilitary careers).