May is usually a wonderful month in Texas. The weather is pretty nice and the flowers are out. We usually get a little rain. Sometimes too much. Warmer weather has started but it is not too hot yet. All in all a pretty good time to get out and do some things with your family.
May is also a very important month for veterans. So let’s get started. 1 May is Loyalty Day each year. What, you say, is Loyalty Day? It is a day that is set aside for the reaffirmation of our loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom. It was first recognized in 1955. It was first called Americanization Day and was intended to replace May 1st (May Day) which was celebrated by Communist/Socialist Countries. It became a legal holiday in 1958.
May 8th is also a very important day for veterans since it is Victory in Europe (VE Day). 75 years ago the Allied Forces in Europe accepted the unconditional surrender of the armed forces of Germany, thus ending the war in that theater. This allowed us to shift more forces toward the Pacific Theater and to speed up the coming victory over Japan which occurred just three months later. After years of fighting in Europe this must have been a glorious day for all of our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen. Never Forget those brave warriors who gave their lives for our country.
Not a military day, but one that is very important to all of us is Sunday, 9 May. This is Mother’s Day. How could you forget? In advance, order your mother or the mother of your children some beautiful flowers. Take your family out to a Brunch or Lunch or Dinner. Make this a special day. The person that you are honoring is a very Special Person.
Armed Forces Day 2021. Saturday, 15 May is a day that we celebrate Armed Forces Day. This special day is held annually on the third Saturday of May. It is a time to honor all those men and women who CURRENTLY serve in the armed services of the United States. First conceived by President Harry F. Truman, the holiday was established in 1949. The day culminates the end of Armed Forces Week, in which each branch is honored on a separate day of that week.
Memorial Day 2021. Monday, 31 May is a Federal Holiday that is observed on the last Monday in May and commemorates those brave men and women who died while in Military Service. There is a National Moment of Silence, for one minute, at 3:00 PM local time to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service to our country. About 1,250,000 of our bravest and most honored citizens have died in all our wars and conflicts. Half of those losses were just in the Civil War. Please take time to visit a local cemetery and place a small American Flag on the grave of one of those warriors. Take your family with you when you go. Explain to your children or grand children WHY you are there.
Enjoy the wonderful month of May in Central Texas. Give thanks that you live here in a great community that supports our veterans. May your month be a great one!