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How Veterans Can Stay Connected and Active During Military Appreciation Month


Military Appreciation Month was established in May to ensure the nation publicly shows its appreciation for the Armed Forces. It includes several key observances:

  • Loyalty Day – May 1

  • VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) – May 8

  • Armed Forces Day – Third Saturday in May

  • Memorial Day – Last Monday in May

These observances offer moments to reflect on service, honor fallen comrades, and celebrate those who continue to serve.


Ways to Stay Connected

1. Attend Veteran-Focused Events 

Across the country, cities and communities host parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and appreciation gatherings. These events are great opportunities to reconnect with fellow veterans, meet supportive civilians, and feel part of something larger than yourself.


2. Reconnect with Your Community

Whether it’s been five years or 25, it’s never too late to reach out to former battle buddies or fellow service members. Joining veteran-led organizations can also provide a strong sense of belonging.

  • Team Red, White & Blue (RWB): Combines fitness and community for veterans.

  • The Mission Continues: Offers opportunities to serve your community.

  • American Legion or VFW Posts: Still going strong in towns across America.


 3. Give Back Through Volunteering

Helping others often helps ourselves more than we realize. Volunteering not only gives you purpose, it connects you with like-minded people.

  • Join clean-up days, food banks, or local charity events.

  • Check out Team Rubicon for veteran-led disaster response missions.

  • Mentor younger veterans or speak at local schools.


Ways to Stay Active

 4. Join a Group Workout or Fitness Challenge

Physical health is deeply tied to mental health — and this month is a great time to move with meaning.

  • Participate in the Murph Challenge on Memorial Day, a tough but meaningful workout that honors Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy.

  • Attend local ruck marches, runs, or CrossFit community events.

  • Don’t forget lower-impact options: hiking, swimming, or yoga for veterans.


 5. Explore VA Wellness Resources

The VA Whole Health program is a comprehensive approach to wellness that looks at more than just your physical health. It covers nutrition, sleep, relationships, movement, and mental well-being.

  • Contact your local VA to ask about Whole Health programs, adaptive sports, or veteran-only fitness classes.

  • Many VA facilities offer group activities tailored to your needs and pace.


Take Care of Your Mental Health

Connection isn’t just social, it’s emotional. Military Appreciation Month is also about checking in on yourself.

If you’re dealing with PTSD, depression, or anxiety, know that support is always available. You can talk to someone today — judgment-free and confidentially.

  • Vet Centers offer free individual and group counseling.

  • Use the PTSD Coach app or visit MakeTheConnection.net for veteran stories and support.

  • Reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, then press 1) any time, 24/7.

Military Appreciation Month is a reminder of your service and sacrifice but it’s also a reminder that you deserve support, health, and connection in your everyday life.

This May, take one small step to reconnect: attend a local event, join a group workout, call a fellow veteran, or check in with your health. Whether you're celebrating, honoring, or healing, you're not alone and your next mission can be a healthy, connected life.


References

 ​​Military Appreciation Month 2025. (n.d.). Military.com. https://www.military.com/military-appreciation-month 

Forkell, D. (n.d.). Honoring the nation’s bravest and best during Military Appreciation Month. https://www.hallmarkbusiness.com/insights/article/honoring-the-nations-bravest-and-best-during-military-appreciation-month/

Tyler, C. (2023, May 9). National Military Appreciation Month. National Federation of Republican Women. https://www.nfrw.org/news/ArtMID/10689/ArticleID/7558/National-Military-Appreciation-Month 

National Military Appreciation Month | Cipriani & Werner. (n.d.). https://www.c-wlaw.com/news/national-military-appreciation-month 

Rehagen, J. (2024, December 31). National Military Appreciation Month 2025. Veteran.com. https://veteran.com/national-military-appreciation-month/ 


 
 
 
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