Celebrate National Military Appreciation Month
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates marked the 10th annual National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM) by thanking those who support America's troops through the Defense Department's America Supports You program.
"This month marks the tenth anniversary of the U.S. Senate establishing May as a month to honor our military members and their spouses for everything they do for our country," said Secretary Gates.
"We're deeply grateful to the American people who continue to show their support for our men and women in uniform, and we see amazing acts of citizen support, especially through America Supports You.
"Over 370 citizen groups have now joined that program and are augmenting the work of the Department to offer assistance and support to our military community.
"And, even as we mark Military Appreciation Month, with two wars ongoing, it is important to remember the sacrifices and service of our troops and their families everyday throughout the year," he said.
Frater Bob Nardelli (Zeta-Theta, Western Illinois Univ.), CEO of Chrysler, is also honoring service men and women. The General Douglas MacArthur Foundation will hold a news conference this week to announce The Chrysler Foundation's donation of $100,000 and an operational World War II Jeep to the MacArthur Memorial 5 Star Campaign.
As a nation, we observe and participate in various national cultural and social awareness events through mass media attention and educational curriculum. As Memorial Day (May 26) approaches and celebrate NMAM, we recognize one of the most important presences in the world today, an entity that impacts each and every American in a significant way, the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
NMAM 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.
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 fast American history.
National Military Appreciation Month (May 2008) includes Loyalty Day (1st), VE Day (8th), Military Spouse Appreciation Day (9th), Armed Forces Day (17th), and Memorial Day (26th). This very important month honors, remembers, recognizes and appreciates all military personnel; those men and women who have served throughout our history and all who now serve in uniform and their families, as well as those Americans who have given their lives in defense of our freedoms we enjoy today.
It recognizes those on active duty in all branches of the services, the National Guard and Reserves plus retirees, veterans, and all of their families - well over 90 million Americans and more than 230 years of our nation's history. Let us celebrate them just as we celebrate the other important entities that make up this wonderful country.
Be sure to thank all Fraters who serve in the various branches of our military. You can even take an active step by writing your thanks to military personnel through the organization A Million Thanks.
Adapted from nmam.org. If you would like to see your chapter news here, contact Communications Coordinator Tom McAninch.