Cover Story: Military Appreciation Month

This weekend, in honor of Military Appreciation Month leading up to Memorial Day, Veterans Advantage takes this opportunity to thank all who have served and are serving in the United States Military. This is one of the most patriotic times of the year and one where Americans can show their pride.

This Memorial Day weekend culminates with the National Moment of Remembrance at 3pm local time on Monday, May 30.

The Senate first passed a resolution in 1999 formally designating National Military Appreciation Month in May. That declaration summoned U.S. citizens to observe the month "in a symbol of unity...to honor the current and former members of the armed forces, including those who have died in the pursuit of freedom and peace." The declaration sets the stage for an impressive array of patriotic holidays and remembrances from May and June and through Independence Day.

The importance of recognizing those who have served is particularly significant this year, with the successful SEAL operation that led to the demise of Osama Bin Laden and bringing us another step closer to closing a dark chapter in our nation’s history.

“This is a time of year when we can show our pride in being Americans, particularly for those who have served or are serving and their family members,” said H. Scott Higgins, founder and CEO of Veterans Advantage and a Vietnam Veteran. “In addition to the National Moment of Remembrance, we encourage all our members to attend your local Memorial Day parade.”

NEW YORK CITY: FLEET WEEK
New York City is the host to one of the biggest and most action-packed Memorial Day weekends in the country. For starters, the time honored-tradition of Fleet Week also coincides with the Memorial Day weekend in New York City, and annually fills the city with countless events, military displays and acknowledgements for military service. It started this year on May 25, with the Parade of Ships starting at the Hudson River on the West Side of Manhattan and heading north to the George Washington Bridge. On May 26, Mayor Bloomberg hosted kickoff activities at Gracie Mansion, bringing together Veterans and Active Duty military from all service eras, including dignitaries such as the Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus.

And as it does every year, many of the city’s events take place at the Intrepid Museum, permanently docked on the Hudson River side of Manhattan, overlooking many of the US Navy’s ships. For more details, click here for the Intrepid’s website.

WASHINGTON, DC

Memorial Day is also a special day for military and Veteran parades. And even through cities across America will be hosting their own parades and festivities, Washington, DC, will be the site for the National Memorial Day Parade – Monday, May 30, 2011 at 2pm. The parade of Marching Bands and Veterans units from all 50 states steps off at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Streets, NW and proceeds along Constitution Avenue, past the White House, ending at 17th Street. The National Memorial Day Parade is sponsored by the World War II Veterans Committee and includes patriotic floats and helium-filled balloons.

Musical performers and celebrity Veterans and supporters of the military, including Pat Sajak, Gary Sinise, Joe Mantegna, and Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan will all be there. The parade will be televised live to U.S. service members around the world on The Pentagon Channel. For more information, check out the parade’s website at www.nationalmemorialdayparade.com.

Our Veteran friends on motorcycle will be also rolling through the DC area for the annual “Rolling Thunder” tribute. Thousands of motorcycles ride through Washington in an annual demonstration seeking to improve Veteran benefits and resolve POW/MIA issues. “You are not forgotten” is a rallying cry for the event, honoring POWs and MIAs, and is a sober reminder of the deeper meaning of Memorial Day.

MONDAY: NATIONAL MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE
As part of its own tradition, the National Moment of Remembrance continues to gain momentum by citizens all across America. Set for 3pm, your local time, we are all encouraged to pause and take a moment of reflection for all those who served our country.

“The National Moment of Remembrance can be a simple gesture such as, placing your hand over your heart, bowing your head, or offering a prayer,” added Higgins. “Let it be a symbol of recognition and promise to remember the freedoms we enjoy thanks to the ultimate sacrifice paid by those who served in our nation’s military in defense of our liberties.”