MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH

National Military Appreciation Month is observed every year in May as a declaration that encourages U.S. citizens to observe the month as a symbol of unity. It’s a month full of observance, remembrance, and respect for not only members of the military but spouses, veterans, and lost loved ones. 

So why May? The month of May is dedicated to the military because there are so many military-related observances within the month. May was chosen because it has many individual days marked to note our Military’s achievements including Loyalty Day, Victory in Europe Day (VE), and Children of Fallen Patriots Day as well as days to honor those who have served and their loved ones; Memorial Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day and Armed Forces Day. Military Appreciation Month was formally recognized in 1999 when the U.S. Senate passed an official resolution that named the month and declared a time for the country to honor and recognize the service and sacrifice of our military members both past and present as well as those who support them. 

The most well-known of these days is Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday in May. Originally called Decoration Day, from the tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths, and flags, Memorial Day is a day for remembrance of those who have died in service to our country. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers. In 1873, New York was the first state to designate Memorial Day as a legal holiday. By the late 1800s, many other cities began to observe it and several states had declared it a holiday. It wasn’t until 1971 that Congress passed the Uniform Holiday Act and established that Memorial Day was to be commemorated on the last Monday of May. If you’re interested in catching a Memorial Day parade in the Grand Rapids area click here for more info.

Berger honors active service members, veterans, and their families, and in honor of Military Appreciation Month, Berger is offering military support through the Chevy Cares program. Our support for the military goes beyond what you see here. Visit our Military Special Offers page to learn more.

This month, and every day Berger Chevrolet thanks those that have or continue to lay their life on the line in the pursuit of our freedom. Thank you, and happy Military Appreciation Month. 

Memorial Day 2023