Do we have too many military themed celebration days/months?

SSG Alleria Stanley — Wed, 25 May 2016 13:11:32 -0400

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 1:15 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 13:15:50 -0400

SSG Alleria Stanley I only participate in Memorial day and Veterans Day, so the answer is no.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 25 at 2016 1:19 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Wed, 25 May 2016 13:19:13 -0400

Nope, The only ones that tend to ring a bell and get most folks attention is Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Response by PO3 Sandra Gomke made May 25 at 2016 1:32 PM

PO3 Sandra Gomke — Wed, 25 May 2016 13:32:21 -0400

Memorial Day and Veterans Day are the big ones but I also participate in Armed Forces Day. So, no I don't think so. Now having said that, I know a lot of different places have event aimed at Vet Appreciation. Especially small towns. It's a reason to celebrate!

Response by SSG Alleria Stanley made May 25 at 2016 1:33 PM

SSG Alleria Stanley — Wed, 25 May 2016 13:33:46 -0400

03 February - Four Chaplains Day
04 February - USO Birthday
19 February - Coast Guard Reserve Birthday
03 March - Navy Reserve Birthday
05 March - Seabee Birthday
13 March - K-9 Veterans Day
29 March - Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day
01 April - Enlistment Day (aka April Fools Day)
05 April - Gold Star Wives Day
14 April - Air Force Reserve Birthday
23 April - Army Reserve Birthday
30 April - National Military Brats Day (Proposed)
01 May - Loyalty Day (also Silver Star Service Banner Day)
06 May - Military Spouse Appreciation Day
08 May - Victory in Europe Day
13 May - Children of Fallen Patriots Day
21 May - Armed Forces Day
30 May - Memorial Day
06 June - D Day
14 June - Army Birthday (and Flag Day)
23 June - Coast Guard Auxillary Birthday
27 June - National PTSD Awareness Day
27 July - Anniversary of the Army Chaplains Corps
01 August - Air Force Day
04 August - Coast Guard Day
07 August - Purple Heart Day
14 August - National Navajo Code Talkers Day (also Victory in Japan Day)
29 August - Marine Corps Reserve Day
11 September - Patriot Day
16 September - National POW/MIA Recognition Day
18 September - Air Force Birthday
25 September - Gold Star Mother's Day
13 October - Navy Birthday
26 October - National Day of the Deployed
10 November - Marine Corps Day
11 November - Veterans Day
01 December - Civil Air Patrol Birthday
07 December - Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
13 December - National Guard Day
17 December - Wreaths Across America
28 December - Chaplain's Assistant Day (!!)

Additionally, there are the months of recognition:
March - Month of the Military Caregiver
April - Month of the Military Child
May - National Military Appreciation Month
November - Military Family Month

Response by SSG Alleria Stanley made May 25 at 2016 2:33 PM

SSG Alleria Stanley — Wed, 25 May 2016 14:33:32 -0400

I'm looking at this from a couple of different points of view. Everyone seems to have a Day or A Month, but... this seems excessive.

In my opinion, there should be a day for the nation to recognize its military. But all these days and months? Even Memorial Day vs Veterans Day vs Armed Forces Day vs Military Appreciation Month...

Have our day and move out. Living, deceased, still serving, what have you...

Maybe "National Thanks for Signing Up" Day?

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made May 25 at 2016 11:03 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Wed, 25 May 2016 23:03:49 -0400

No, because each one has a specific purpose. While civilians might not know the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day, everyone gives thanks in their own way.

Us service members on the other hand typically attach special meanings and rituals to these days.

Armed Forces Day - I'll typically look up someone who still wears the uniform and have a conversation with them.

Memorial day - I'll say a prayer for some I know and some I don't know and give thanks. This year I'm going to DC to share it with my family who might not understand the significance yet.

Veterans Day - I might not be out in the crowds trying to score a free meal, but if I see a Veteran, especially from the generations before mine, I will shake their hand and thank them to make up for the time when our Country turned it's back on the military.

Then of course the Marine Corps birthday - a day I spend with other Marines. Telling stories or jokes, or even having a couple of drinks at the Ball.

I know there's plenty more like DDay, Pearl Harbor, etc. My main point being that while the public might see an excuse for a day off, the military men and women know the significance and pay tribute in their own fashion.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2016 1:16 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 May 2016 13:16:04 -0400

We have federal holidays we should not have. Military-themed ones are not on that list.

Response by Tom Taylor made May 28 at 2016 11:14 AM

Tom Taylor — Sat, 28 May 2016 11:14:20 -0400

Not at all . Cause if it wasn't for men and women like you what would we have to celebrate ?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2016 7:20 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 May 2016 19:20:51 -0400

Nope. I celebrate everyday I get up and had the honor of serving.