It’s May, it’s May, the merry month of May…
Every time May comes around, that song from Camelot enters my mind and sticks there like an earworm.
In Colorado, May doesn’t necessarily mean May flowers. We often get snow showers well into May, but the summers are lovely and green.
May also means Mother’s Day, so I’m wishing you happy, happy to all you moms and grannies out there, and to those who have fur babies, as well.
There’s another special celebration this month—Military Appreciation Month, leading up to Memorial Day, the American holiday that commemorates and remembers the sacrifice and service of our fallen military men and women.
WHAT IS MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH?
From Military.com:
Each year the president makes a proclamation, reminding Americans of the important role the U.S. Armed Forces have played in the history and development of our country. May was chosen because it has many individual days marked to note our military’s achievements, including Loyalty Day, established in 1921, Victory in Europe (VE) Day commemorating the end of WWII in Europe in 1945, Children of Fallen Patriots Day and the anniversary of the death of Osama bin Laden.
So let’s all applaud our military men and women both present and past, today and every day. If you pass someone in uniform, say thank you.
As an author it is my privilege to write stories with military heroes. I currently have my next Harlequin Love Inspired release, The Marine’s Mission, as well as a rerelease of The Marine’s Baby in A Daddy in the Making with Marta Perry on preorder.
This marine doesn’t want anyone’s help
…until an unlikely match changes his life.
Wounded ex-marine Aaron Jamison always follows orders—and the assignment to take on a service dog is just that. Still, trainer Ruby Winslow is definitely barking up the wrong tree when she insists a beauty-parlor poodle is his perfect match. But Ruby and her clever canine are determined to melt the heart of this battle-hardened marine. And they’ll teach him an unforgettable new trick—love.
A ROCKY MOUNTAIN FAMILY NOVEL
Mary Preston says
I have family members that served.
Lincoln says
I offer my PROFOUND thanks to all those who have made the sacrifices necessary to serve in our nation’s armed services. And that includes their family members as well. In a world of confusion and turmoil we pray for God’s protection and blessing for you all. Thank you!
Ausjenny says
When I was in America I was impressed how much people appreciated serving members. on the flights they get priority boarding. When I met some authors for a meal one even paid for the meal of a serving member this isn’t something that happens in Australia. They don’t get priority boarding etc. I guess as we don’t have as many men and women here in Australia. I also got to go to Arlington National Cemetery.
In Australia our special day is ANZAC day April 25th when we remember the fallen. I have family who served in WW1 and WW2.
Trudy says
I have many family members who served, from my Daddy and some Uncles in WWII, all the way to a few years ago to cousins. Thankfully, all of them made it home, so while we observe Memorial Day, it doesn’t have quite the meaning that other families have to deal with.
SARAH TAYLOR says
I have many Family members that have served Father-in -Law, Uncles and Cousins! Thank You All for Your Services and God Bless The USA!
Deb Kastner says
I’m so grateful for them, Mary. Thank you is not enough.
Deb Kastner says
Great point, Lincoln. It’s not only the ones who serve who sacrifice, but also their families and loved ones. A hearty thanks to them all!!
Deb Kastner says
That’s amazing, Jenny. I let my mom do the ancestry so I honestly don’t know who, if anyone, served in the great wars. Now that you’ve brought up the differences in how people treat service members based on where they live, it would be super interesting to find out about other countries, as well. I am incredibly introverted but always make it a point to thank a man or woman in uniform.
Deb Kastner says
That is much to be grateful for, Trudy! I think we can all take a step back and acknowledge their service and be thankful they made it back alive!!
Deb Kastner says
Hi Sarah. How wonderful to be surrounded by those who’ve made the sacrifice! God bless the USA! (Which is also one of my favorite songs by The Texas Tenors.) https://youtu.be/daqwGRdRIsk
Nancy K says
My husband is a disabled Viet Nam veteran. My dad was a World War ll veteran. One of my dad’s younger brothers was a POW in the Korean War. Our son in law is in the Air Force. He and our daughter are stationed in the Las Vegas area. They are coming home for a visit next month. We haven’t seen them since March of last year. We are really looking forward to seeing them again. We flew out to visit them just before the pandemic hit last March. Right after we returned home everything was being shut down. Hopefully they will get stationed here on the East Coast if they ever get transferred out of the base in the Las Vegas area.
Yvonne Cruz says
My thanks to all those that have served and their families
Deb Kastner says
Wow! Please thank everyone for me for their wonderful service. How exciting to get to see your daughter and her family again after COVID made things so awful.
Deb Kastner says
Amen to that, Yvonne!
Ausjenny says
I think partly here is cos we have less visible service men especially in the regional areas but even it city they are not as visible. It is probably different where the bases are located. We respect the diggers which is why ANZAC day is so important.
I had older parents and dad served in WW2 as did his brother, sister and brother in law, Mums sister, brother and 2 brother in laws also. One being a prisoner of war and one in the spy force.
We know about the 2 from WW1 as they are mentioned and Dad uncle died at Gallipoli which was where they first landed.
I think things are more laid back here.
Debra J Pruss says
Thank you for sharing and reminding us to appreciate all that has been given to us through the sacrifices of our military and their families. I have an father as well as uncles who served in the military. God bless the families and loved ones as we remember all that has been lost as well as all that we have been blessed to receive.
denise says
My brother is a disabled veteran.
Natalya Lakhno says
Heartfelt thanks <3
Trixi says
My grandpa served in WW2 in Germany (Army). I’ve seen pictures my grandma had of bombed out buildings that supposedly were Hitlers, at least that’s what I’ve always been told. My dad was in the Navy but never saw wartime as far as I know.
I know several men in my church who are past military and I appreciate all their service. Whenever we see military out in public, we always thank them & always get a thank you and a smile :-)