How do You show your appreciation the members of our military, and for their families? Maybe you connect through Soldiers' Angels, AnySoldier.Com or BooksForSoldiers, or greet returning troops in your area, or volunteer at your local USO, or help the families of serving military to deal with the long absence of their loved ones. Maybe you haven't taken any of these steps because you weren't sure how to do so, or didn't realize how much good you can do, and how easy it is. Showing support doesn't have to cost a lot of money, as literally every Soldier, Marine, Airman or Sailor will tell you that all they really want when deployed is to hear from someone back home. Letters and cards are greatly appreciated. And, in case you haven't discovered this yet, I'll tell you a secret - you get as much out of it as they do! Sometimes, you even get a Blogson ...*grin*. Our lawmakers in Washington have decided to designate the month of May as National Military Appreciation Month: Congress, Nation Designate Military Appreciation Month By Gene Harper
American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, April 30, 2004 – Both chambers of the U.S. Congress have adopted a resolution calling for Americans to recognize and honor U.S. service members during May's National Military Appreciation Month. Virginia Rep. Tom Davis, along with 16 cosponsors, introduced Concurrent Resolution No. 328 in the House in November. The Senate agreed to it without amendment and by unanimous consent April 26. The resolution states that the House, with the Senate concurring, "supports the goals and objectives of a National Military Appreciation Month." It also "urges the president to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States, localities, organizations and media to annually observe" the month "with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Finally, the resolution urges the White House Commission on Remembrance to "work to support the goals and objectives" of the month. The Senate first passed a resolution in 1999 designating National Military Appreciation Month. That declaration summoned U.S. citizens to observe the month "in a symbol of unity, … to honor the current and former members of the armed forces, including those who have died in the pursuit of freedom and peace." Traditionally, May has focused on the military in many ways. For example, Public Service Recognition Week, celebrated the first full Monday through Sunday in May since 1985, recognizes the roles of public servants, including the military, at local, state, regional and federal levels. As a part of PSRW, communities across America showcase military equipment and service members from U.S. installations. The largest PSRW event takes place on Washington's National Mall, where more than 100 federal agencies, including the military services, put their activities, people and equipment on public display. This year's mall event is May 6-9. Armed Forces Day, created in 1949, is an annual event held on the third Saturday in May, with activities at U.S. military bases around the world. This year's celebration occurs May 15. The month culminates with Memorial Day, a federal holiday on the last Monday in May. The day, dating from the Civil War era, traditionally has marked recognition of those who have died in service to the nation. Each year on Memorial Day, the White House Commission on Remembrance promotes one minute of silence at 3 p.m. local time to honor the military's fallen comrades and to pay tribute to the sacrifices by the nation's service members and veterans. | #1 FLY THE FLAG ON YOUR HOUSE, CAR, or BUSINESS DURING MAY
#2 SEND AN EMAIL OR LETTER OF THANKS THROUGH A Million Thanks
#3 SEND A CARE PACKAGE TO A SOLDIER THROUGH USOCARES
#4 ORGANIZE AN EVENT IN YOUR OWN COMMUNITY, AND AT YOUR WORKPLACE
#5 ASK YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS AT ALL LEVELS TO RECOGNIZE OUR MILITARY
#6 WEAR A SUPPORT OUR TROOPS WRISTBAND OR SHIRT
#7 REGISTER YOUR SUPPORT AT America Supports You!
#8 ASK LIBRARIES, SCHOOLS, ORGANIZATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN RECOGNIZING OUR ARMED FORCES
#9 ASK LOCAL MEDIA (TV, RADIO, NEWSPAPER) TO FEATURE
#10 WHEN YOU SEE A PERSON IN A MILITARY UNIFORM, SHAKE THEIR HAND AND SAY, "THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY"
#11 RAISE FUNDS FOR MILITARY CHARITIES Here are some other suggestions, many of which regular visitors will recognize from my sidebar. (I'll be adding the new ones as soon as I update my template) All of these good causes can use financial help, some let you connect with serving military folks, and if you can only afford the cost of envelopes, paper and stamps - send a letter ... make a connection. Let's show our military community how much we appreciate and support them! |
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