May set aside to remind us of freedom’s price

FORT POLK, LA, UNITED STATES

05.18.2018

Story by Chuck Cannon 

Fort Johnson Public Affairs Office

FORT POLK, La. — On Thursday, the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk will host a Memorial Day Ceremony in Warrior Memorial Park at 10 a.m. Keynote speaker is Brig. Gen. Patrick D. Frank, commander, JRTC and Fort Polk. Everyone is invited to attend and pay their respects.
For those who serve — or have served — in the armed forces, bonds are developed that can last a lifetime. As a retired Soldier, there are those who I served with whom I still maintain close contact.
Through deployments and seemingly endless permanent change of station moves, friendships are built that often prove stronger than blood ties.
To honor those who have served their nation in war and peace, Sen. John McCain introduced legislation in 1999 to designate the month of May as National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM). Both the Senate and House of Representatives adopted resolutions calling for Americans to recognize and honor U.S. Service Members during NMAM. These resolutions also urge the president to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe NMAM.
National Military Appreciation Month is celebrated each May and encourages U.S. citizens to observe the month in a symbol of unity. NMAM honors the current and former members of the U.S. armed forces, including those who have died in the pursuit of freedom.
Most people are aware that Memorial Day, the last Monday in May, is set aside to remember the sacrifice and service of those who gave all, but the month also holds several other military anniversaries and events including:
• Loyalty Day, May 1. Loyalty Day kicks off the nation’s month-long celebration of military appreciation. It is a day set aside for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States, and to reflect on the proud heritage of our American freedom.
• Public Service Recognition Week. Celebrated the first full week in May (May 6-12 this year). A time set aside to honor the men and women who serve our nation as federal, state, county and local government employees and ensure that our government is the best in the world.
• Victory in Europe Day, May 8. May 8, 1945 is the day when Germans throughout Europe unconditionally surrendered to the Allies. This day marked the end of World War II in Europe.
• Military Spouse Appreciation Day, May 11. Traditionally set for the Friday before Mother’s Day, the day honors military spouses with appropriate ceremonies and activities. It recognizes the important role military families play in keeping the armed forces strong and the country safe.
• Armed Forces Day, Saturday. Celebrated the third Saturday in May every year, the holiday is for citizens to join to thank military members for their patriotic service in support of the country. The day honors everyone serving in the U.S. military branches: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy.
If you are unable to attend the ceremony Thursday, pause for a moment of silence and think of those who throughout history and today place their lives on the line to assure the freedom of those who call the United States home.

• Date Taken: 05.18.2018
• Date Posted: 05.18.2018 09:37
• Story ID: 277496
• Location: FORT POLK, LA, US