In 1999, Congress set May as National Military Appreciation Month. It is a month-long observance honoring the sacrifices of the United States Armed Forces. Why the month of May? Because during May, we recognize Loyalty Day (1921), VE Day (the end of World War II in Europe on May 8, 1945), Armed Forces Day (May 16), Military Spouse Appreciation Day (May 8) and Memorial Day (May 25).
Although we’re not sure what the Memorial Day Ceremony at the National Cemetery will look like yet, we are working on the way to host it virtually. Updates for that ceremony, which is significant to many of our military and veterans, will be the focus of a future column.
But for today, I would like to emphasize the importance of Military Appreciation Month. Our country responds to this month to help honor our veterans, service members, and their families. Typically, there are honor and recognition events, but this year due to COVID-19, the free admission, discounts, deals, and sales are still there, but they may not be in place at some of the brick and mortar establishments. Thus, to help you celebrate with some “freebies,” we’ll focus on a few online activities we found on a few websites.
GovX – online at https://www.govx.com/ is a members-only site for current and former military, as well as first responders and other government employees. Through GovX, eligible members with a verified account can access exclusive deals on shopping, travel, and tickets to events all year long.
HYLETE Athletic Performance Apparel – online at https://www.hylete.com/service-league by joining their service league, you can receive 50% off all month long.
Rack Room Shoes – online at https://www.rackroomshoes.com/military-discount. Military members and their families will receive 10% off their in-store purchase all day on Memorial Day with a valid military ID. The Military discount is also available every Tuesday, on Independence Day, and Veterans Day.
Home Depot – online at https://www.homedepot.com/. Since hardware stores continue to operate as an essential business, we’d like to share that year-round a 10% discount is offered in-store to ALL military veterans at participating U.S. locations to active duty personnel, reservists, retired or disabled veterans. You must show a valid military ID to receive the discount. Home Depot does not accept state ID cards with veterans’ designation, and some limitations may apply.
