On May 30, 1999, United States Congress officially designated May as Military Appreciation Month. The motion, first proposed by Navy veteran Senator John McCain in February of 1999, served as an official grouping of a month filled with military observances. These observances include Loyalty Day (May 1), Victory in Europe Day (May 8), Military Spouse Appreciation Day (May 12), Armed Forces Day (May 20), and Memorial Day (May 29).

Loyalty Day

May 1 is dedicated to Americans recognizing the sacrifices military members have made for the freedom of the United States. By reaffirming their loyalty, citizens can be more mindful of the continuous efforts made by the armed forces to maintain peace.

Victory in Europe Day

Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) is held on May 8 to commemorate the end of World War II in Europe in 1945. The staggering number of horrific casualties and the numerous causalities of American service members will forever be remembered.

Military Spouse Appreciation Day

As military members serve, the sacrifices and strength of their spouses at home should not be forgotten. Military Spouse Appreciation Day is a nationally recognized day to appreciate and support military spouses nationwide.

Armed Forces Day

Designated in 1949 to consolidate the separate days for each military branch, Armed Forces Day is a nationwide celebration of the unification of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. Armed Forces Day focuses primarily on honoring those who are currently serving their country in the various branches of the military.

Memorial Day

The most widely celebrated of the observances, Memorial Day is a federal holiday designated for honoring those who have lost their lives while serving in the military. While solemn gatherings at the cemetery are typical, the day also marks the beginning of summer, and due to the freedoms earned by those who have passed, citizens spend the day having fun outdoors. A collective minute of silence is typically observed at 3:00 p.m. local time across the country.

At UVU, we want all students, including veterans and active service members, to know that this is a place for you. We're proud of the members of the military that weave their unique experiences and perspectives into the fabric of our university. UVU is dedicated to providing ongoing resources and support to military members to ensure they get the most out of their education at UVU.

We hope veterans and current service members feel valued and appreciated this Military Appreciation Month. In addition, those who aren't in the military can use this month to show their appreciation and learn more about the history of the armed forces.

About the Veteran Success Center

Our mission is to facilitate the successful navigation of student veterans, service members, and their dependents from registration to graduation. We work closely with our students to assist them with their VA education benefits.

Our goal is to provide personalized care to help students be successful in their college experience and beyond. The UVU Veteran Success Center also serves as a gathering place for our veterans and their families. When you're here, you're with family.

Learn more about the resources for past and current members of the military who are pursuing a degree, program, or certificate at UVU: https://www.uvu.edu/military-affiliated/resources/index.html#VA