It’s time to share some thoughts about some outstanding everyday heroes that don’t always get the recognition they deserve: The active servicemen and women, and veterans of the U.S. military.
Did you know that May is National Military Appreciation Month? Congress made the official designation in 1999 to encourage everyone to publicly demonstrate gratitude for the sacrifice and service of our military men and women. Most of us are aware that the last Monday of the month is Memorial Day, which falls on May 26 this year. Many people mark the occasion as the unofficial start of summer, and enjoy the long weekend making fun memories with family, friends and other loved ones.
It’s always a wonderful idea to get outdoors and enjoy a cookout, car trip, camping or other scouting activity. Now is also a good time to remember the service and sacrifices of our military veterans. These heroic men and women, and the families that quietly carry on while they serve, help to build the foundation for all of what’s great about this country.
So many of our military people and families have overcome difficult obstacles, and come home only to face new challenges and issues. Despite these challenges, new stories come out everyday about how our vets continue to pay it forward, make amazing contributions to their communities, and do important work to serve each other and get through tough times together.
Did you know scouting was started by a military officer who wanted to teach the high standards and principles he’d learned to our youth? We are grateful for our military service people, and the values that they share in common with scouting, which includes service, integrity, duty, discipline, good citizenship, and so much more.
Our military heroes set a great example for all of us. This month – and all year long - is a great time to take a little bit of time to recognize them. Happy Memorial Day, and a big THANK YOU to our military!