May is National Military Appreciation Month, a time to honor the service and sacrifice of members of the U.S. military.
Observances during the month including Loyalty Day (May 1); Victory in Europe Day, also known as VE Day (May 8); Military Spouse Appreciation Day (May 12); Children of Fallen Patriots Day (May 13) and Armed Forces Day (May 20).
The best known is Memorial Day (May 29).
The annual federal holiday honors the men and women who died while serving in the armed forces. Established after the Civil War, Memorial Day was named a federal holiday in 1971.
Also known as Decoration Day, Americans often honor fallen soldiers by decorating their graves.
During the month, USPS will salute military and veteran employees from all branches of service: Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, Reserves and National Guard.
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy will honor the approximately 63,000 veteran employees with a commemorative certificate of appreciation.
The certificates will be mailed to the homes of employees who have self-identified as veterans.
Veterans also celebrating a five-year postal anniversary in fiscal year 2023 will receive a Postal Proud challenge coin and thank-you card from Doug Tulino, deputy postmaster general and chief human resources officer.
The challenge coin is, historically, a symbol of military unit identity and camaraderie. Today, they are awarded for special achievements or mission participation.
To further recognize military veterans, managers can purchase special water bottles and tumblers to distribute as part of military appreciation ceremonies.
For further information, email Marty Mieras, military program specialist, at military@usps.gov.
