May is Military Appreciation Month

May is actually Military Appreciation Month and brings us both Armed Forces Day (this Saturday) and Memorial Day. Here's a little information on both (thanks to Wikipedia).

Armed Forces Day - May 17
In the United States, Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May. The day was created in 1949, and was a result of the consolidation of the military services in the Department of Defense. It was intended to replace the separate United States Army, United States Navy, United States Air Force, United States Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard> Days, but observance of these days, especially within each particular service, continues to this day.

The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated by parades, open houses, receptions and air shows. Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May, and Armed Forces Week begins on the second Saturday of May and ends on the third Sunday of May. Because of their unique training schedules, National Guard and Reserve units may celebrate Armed Forces Day/Week over any period in May. The purpose of Armed Forces day is to honor Americans serving in the five services - the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

Memorial Day - May 26
Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May (observed in 2008 on May 26). It was formerly known as Decoration Day. This holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it was expanded to include those who died in any war or military action. One of the longest standing traditions is the running of the Indianapolis 500, which has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911. It is also traditionally viewed as the beginning of summer by many, for many schools are dismissed around Memorial Day.

If you're looking for ways to say thanks to our troops, here's a few ideas.

Let's Say Thanks (sponsored in part by Xerox)
USO Operation Phone Home
United Through Reading
Operation USO Care Package