• May 13, 2014

The Month Of May Serves To Recognize And Honor Our United States Military

The Month Of May Serves To Recognize And Honor Our United States Military

150 150 Elect Todd Hunter

The Month Of May Serves To Recognize And Honor Our United States Military

It is important that we recognize the service of our men and women who have served or are currently serving in our armed services. Their commitment to our country as well as the state of Texas is truly admirable. One of the things that was created to help honor those who have felt the calling to serve their country in our military was to establish the month of May as the 15th annual National Military Awareness Month (NMAM). The NMAM was first designated in 1999 by the United States Congress and was strengthened and broadened in 2004 to increase the recognition of our United States military. This designation was created with the intent to recognize and honor those who have served in our military and their families. This designation enjoyed the support of over 50 different veteran service organizations. This act set aside the entire month of May in order to recognize our military and to honor, appreciate and remember those who have served.
According to the National Military Awareness Month website, the month of May “provides a period encompassing both the history and recognition of our armed services with an in-depth look at the diversity of its individuals and achievements. It allows Americans to educate each generation on the historical impact of our military through the participation of the community with those who serve encouraging patriotism and love for America.” Our military service members represent the highest caliber of professionalism and should be commended for their service to our country. It is wonderful that this month is designated to honor these current and former members of our armed services.

Their website goes on to point out that “this month gives the nation a time and place on which to focus and draw attention to our many expressions of appreciation and recognition of our armed services via numerous venues and also to recall and learn about our vast American military history.” The month of May can work to encourage educators to try and develop various lesson plans that will seek to describe the history of all of our military branches.

The NMAM includes a number of days during the month designed to provide specific recognition to events, days, groups and members that are apart of or associated with the United States Military May 1st is Loyalty Day, May 8th is VE Day, May 9th is Military Spouse Appreciation Day, May 17th is Armed Forces Day, and May 26th is Memorial Day. The month of May is a very important month of honors, recognitions, and remembrances for our military. This month is meant to recognize the men and women that have made the decision to serve throughout our history as well as those who now currently serve in our military along with their families. In addition, we should always remember the many Americans who have given the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms that we all appreciate today.

The historic designation of the month of May being National Military Appreciation Month reminds us of the resilient Americans who have made the choice to serve in our military. Our members of the armed services continue to play an integral role in the development of our country as well as preserving the many rights and freedoms we enjoy today. This month allows us to remember and honor those who have served in the military over the past 237 years. If you would like to learn more about the National Military Appreciation Month, you can visit their website at: https://www.nmam.org/
If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).

– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32

Rep. Hunter represents Nueces (Part) County. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.