About National Military Appreciation Month

About NMAM

Alice Wax is the widow of a WWII veteran, a tank driver who saw action in Germany in the 1940’s. Upon the death of her husband, a successful businessman who had maintained close ties to the military community because of what had been the “greatest experience” of his life; she took his place as a strong supporter of the military and continued his dedication to it.

She learned that many families are neither aware of nor do they value or understand the service given by those of the “Greatest Generation.” She discovered schools were no longer teaching those military events that turned the course of history. “ We are losing our connection to our own history”, she said. Names like Pearl Harbor, San Juan Hill, Belleau Wood, 38^th Parallel, Berlin Airlift, Tet Offensive and Normandy are rapidly losing their significance to the general American population, particularly our future generations – our youth. Something needed to be done about it! Alice Wax has been working five years towards establishing May as National Military Appreciation Month, and in fact moved to the Washington DC area from California just to accomplish this goal.

Spending much of her time talking to lawmakers, her efforts were rewarded when the United States Congress passed a Bill in 1999 that designated May as National Military Appreciation Month. With the support and sponsorship of Senator John McCain, (R-AZ) and Representative Duncan Hunter, (R-CA) of San Diego and over 50 veteran service organizations, this important and timely legislation tells our service members that their country has set aside an entire month to honor, remember and appreciate them.

Our military has played a major role in the development of our country chronicled through their unbending honor, their dedication to duty and their love of country. Because most holidays commemorating historical military events have become little more than three-day weekends lacking focus on their original purpose, a vehicle is needed with form and structure to promote this month-long May observance.

Using appropriate means to establish incentives for Federal, State, and local governments and private sector entities, this month will encourage everyone to sponsor and participate in programs via multiple venues, giving the nation a time and place upon which to focus, draw attention, and express our appreciation and thanks to our military family.

Due to worldwide military deployments and a continually increasing tempo of operations, many more Americans are being called to serve. Employers are being asked to accommodate lengthy absences by key employees. Our demonstrated national will to support our military at this critical time directly affects morale and the recruiting, retention, readiness and quality of our Soldiers; their families are similarly affected. Our military represents the highest caliber of professionalism.

We ask them to willingly risk their lives on a moments notice; should we not willingly celebrate their contributions and their sacrifices as well?