November is a busy month for veterans and their families, with Veterans Day celebrations crowding their calendars. However, the month is also reserved to honor military families and all that they do.
The Armed Service YMCA established November as National Military Family Appreciation Month, urging communities around the world to honor and recognize the sacrifices they make. Shortly thereafter presidential proclamations formally established the occasion, urging Americans to look for ways to pay tribute to military families.
“The selflessness of our military families tells a story of unfailing duty and wwwotion,” said President Obama in his 2014 proclamation. “Through long deployments, difficult separations, and moves across the country and overseas, spouses and partners put their careers on hold and children take on extra responsibilities. With grace and resilience, families endure the absence of loved ones and shoulder the burdens of war."
During Military Family Appreciation Month, you can express your appreciation by flying the American flag, adopting a military family in need, or offering services, discounts or other benefits specifically for them. A list of suggestions as well as MFRI’s How to Help Military and Veteran Families may give you some ideas on simple ways to say “Thank you for all you do.”