Is May the Most Patriotic Holiday?
May 04, 2022
If someone asks you, “What is the most patriotic month?” You’d probably answer July, since that is when Independence Day is celebrated. But did you know that May has more patriotic holidays than any other month of the year? The entire month of May celebrates National Military Appreciation Month. First recognized in 1999, Military Appreciation month gives us as citizens the opportunity to celebrate and honor all those who have served or are currently serving in the military. In addition to Military Appreciation month, Loyalty Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, V.E. Day, Armed Forces Day, and Memorial Day are celebrated within the month of May as well.
Loyalty Day kicks off Military Appreciation month. It is observed every May 1st and celebrates the reaffirmation of the loyalty to our country and recognizes the heritage of freedom. It began in 1955, but was not recognized as an official recurring holiday until July 18, 1958. Since then, on each Loyalty Day, the President of the United States, issues an official proclamation.
Military Spouse Appreciation Day is celebrated on the Friday before Mother’s Day each year and falls on May 6th in 2022. President Ronald Reagan first recognized this holiday in 1984 and we have observed it ever since. It honors all of the military spouses and the sacrifices that they themselves have also made for our country.
V.E. (Victory in Europe) Day marked the end of World War II on May 8, 1945. This holiday is not only celebrated in America, but in Great Britain as well. On this day, all across Europe, German soldiers laid down their arms and surrendered. Documents were signed in Berlin and prisoners of war were released. Although Great Britain and the United States celebrated V.E. Day on May 8th, the end of the war, it was not celebrated in Moscow until the next day, May 9th, when the Soviet-German conflict stopped in the east.
Armed Forces Day began in 1949 and is celebrated on the third Saturday in May each year. In 2022, the holiday lands on May 21st. This day honors both current and former military members as well as those who have given their lives for our freedom.
Memorial Day is not just for BBQs and block parties. This solemn observance is to honor and remember all of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. This holiday began after the Civil War (originally called Decoration Day) where people would gather to decorate the graves of those who died in war. After years of observing this holiday, it finally became an official federal holiday in 1971.
With all these patriotic holidays to celebrate, be sure to show your pride for our country by flying a 100% made in America Real American Flag. We show pride for our country each day at Real American Flag by ensuring our flags are 100% made in America. Our cotton is grown, woven, and dyed across the United States, along with the thread we use to sew it. Then, it comes to our factories to be manufactured by American workers, including veterans and those with disabilities.
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the flag etiquette guide to be sure you are flying your Real American Flag properly.