At Armed Forces Bank, our mission is supporting our valued Servicemembers and their families. And this month, we get the opportunity to do it just a little more. That’s because May is officially known as Military Appreciation Month.
Learn more about this special month, including dates to remember, and some of the ways Armed Forces Bank is committed to continuing to support our military.
What Is Military Appreciation Month?
Ever since 1999, the month of May has been designated as Military Appreciation Month. Americans are encouraged by the President to celebrate this month and honor those who make sacrifices each and every day for our country and our freedom. We recognize our valued Servicemembers and their families who have worked on the front lines and helped keep us safe.
Though we’re celebrating the entire month, there are a variety of special days we want to draw attention to as well:
Loyalty Day
May 1 -- “A special day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom.”
VE Day
May 8 -- “Victory in Europe Day,” celebrating the end of World War II in Europe. Ever since 1945, much of the world has continued to celebrate VE Day on May 8 every year.
Military Spouse Appreciation Day
May 12 -- Observed the Friday before Mother’s Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day honors the military spouses who sacrifice so much in support of their service member spouse’s mission.
Mother’s Day
May 14 -- Whether a servicemember herself or a military spouse holding it down at home, mothers deserve to be acknowledged and remembered on Mother’s Day for the sacrifices they make every day.
Armed Forces Day
May 20 -- Armed Forces Day is observed on the third Saturday in May. Different from Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day, Armed Forces Day is the proper day to honor those currently serving, as well as those who have previously served and sacrificed.
Memorial Day
May 29 -- Taking place the last Monday in May, Memorial Day honors service members who have died in military service to the nation. Its origins date all the way back to the post-Civil War era.
In appreciation to all the men and women who serve our country, thank you. We appreciate you!
Our Partnership With A Million Thanks
There’s no better time than Military Appreciation Month to remind our friends and clients of our partnership with A Million Thanks to send thank you letters to military members serving around the world.
A Million Thanks is a non-profit organization that provides support and appreciation to our active and veteran military men and women through sending letters and granting betterment of life wishes, as well as providing higher education scholarships to their children.
Most of all, A Million Thanks collects and distributes millions of letters of thanks and support and sends them directly to our active, reserve, and veteran military.
Send Your Message Of Thanks
Armed Forces Bank branch locations are official A Million Thanks “Send A Letter” collection sites with drop boxes available for bank clients and community members to send notes of appreciation. Drop boxes are available in each of our 26 locations across the country and in 80 branch locations of Academy Bank, our sister bank.
Armed Forces Bank also offers the opportunity to send digital messages on our website. Since 2004, A Million Thanks has collected and distributed nearly 11 million letters to military Service members.
We Work To Take Care of Our Military Servicemembers, This Month and Every Month
At Armed Forces Bank, we’re a full-service military bank that’s been committed to serving those who serve since 1907. As part of a family of banks with over $1.6 billion in assets, we provide a vast array of affordable, easily accessible financial products to both active and retired military and civilian clients in all 50 states and across the world.
When you’re in the military, your needs are different, and your banking should be too. That’s why, no matter where you’re stationed in the world, we strive to make everything from banking solutions to financial advice personal, valuable, and convenient for you.
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