West River Eagle

National Military Appreciation Month


PIERRE, SD – At the encouragement of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs and the South Dakota Department of the Military, Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed May as “National Military Appreciation Month,” a time for all to honor, remember, recognize and appreciate those who have served in the past and those now serving, as well as their families.   

“The vigilance of the members of the Armed Forces has been instrumental to the preservation of freedom, security and prosperity enjoyed by the people of this great nation,” the Governor’s proclamation states. “The success of the Armed Forces depends on the dedicated service of its members and their families.”

National Military Appreciation Month includes:  Loyalty Day on May 1, Victory in Europe Day on May 8, Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 10, Armed Forces Day on May 18 and Memorial Day on May 27.   

“It is certainly fitting to dedicate a month to consider all of the ways that members of our armed forces both past and present have earned and preserved our American way of life,” said Major General Tim Reisch, who leads South Dakota’s Department of the Military. “We also pay special tribute to the many contributions and tremendous support of our military family members without whom our service would be impossible.”

“The days provide an opportunity to honor, remember, recognize, and appreciate those who serve and have served,” said Greg Whitlock, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. “These men and women continue to play a major role in the development of our country documented through a history of uncompromising honor, dedication to duty and genuine love of country.”

For generations, brave Americans have stepped forward and answered our country’s call to serve in our Armed Forces. With honor and distinction, our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen fight to defend the principles upon which our country was founded. Behind these courageous Americans stand spouses, children, and parents who give up precious time with their loved ones, bearing the burden of long deployments and difficult moves, and oftentimes putting their careers on hold. During Military Family Month, we salute the families of those who proudly are a part of our Nation’s unbroken chain of patriots for their unwavering devotion, and we renew our sacred vow to uphold our promise to our troops, our veterans, and their families.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *