National Military Appreciation Month is an annual celebration to raise awareness and appreciation of those who served or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The month also plays an important role in fostering awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by the military community. In February 1999, Senator John McCain proposed the month of May as Military Appreciation Month because multiple military-related holidays are recognized in the month, including Memorial Day. On April 30, 1999, this proposal then became a unanimously voted resolution from U.S. Congress wherein National Military Appreciation Month was designated as an annually observed celebration.
Ultimately, this month’s purpose is to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of the many individuals who have served in the United States Armed Forces, and to continue to uphold tenets of freedom and liberty in the United States and beyond. At UNM HSC’s Office for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, we want to provide ample support, accessible resources, and a safe space for those who are or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. We work to ensure there is representation from the military community in decision-making processes, and we acknowledge the intersectionality and varying experiences of those who have served.
Learn more about National Military Appreciation Month at Joint Chiefs of Staff – May is Military Appreciation Month
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