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Military Appreciation Month 2026: Honoring Those Who Serve
May is Military Appreciation Month. For America’s Credit Union (ACU), that isn’t a once-a-year hashtag. We were founded on what’s now Joint Base Lewis-McChord in 1954, and military members, veterans, and military families have been our members ever since. Here’s what’s happening in May 2026 and how to take part.
What is Military Appreciation Month?
Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month in 1999. The month gives the country a set time to recognize current service members, veterans, and the families who serve alongside them. May was chosen because it already held five major military observances, including Memorial Day.
Key military observances in May 2026
Five important dates this month:
- Loyalty Day, Friday, May 1, 2026. Reaffirms loyalty to the United States and the heritage of American freedom.
- Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Friday, May 8, 2026. Honors the contributions of military spouses. Always the Friday before Mother’s Day.
- VE Day, Friday, May 8, 2026. Marks the end of World War II in Europe in 1945.
- Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16, 2026. Celebrates all branches of the U.S. military.
- Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026. Remembers those who died in service to the country.
How ACU supports the military community
Sponsoring Armed Forces Day at JBLM
ACU is a proud sponsor of JBLM’s Armed Forces Day on May 16, 2026. Stop by our booth to talk through your credit score or ask about a VA home loan. We’ll be there all day.
A military discount on auto loans, year-round
ACU offers an auto loan rate discount for active-duty service members, veterans, and reservists. It’s not a May promotion. The discount applies every month of the year.
Volunteering with military causes
Our employees give time to organizations that support service members and veterans. A few we’ve been part of:
- Pilot for a Day Program
- Wear Blue: Run to Remember Memorial Day 5K
- Turkey Shoot Golf Tournament
- Veterans Day Pizza Giveaway
Four ways to participate in Military Appreciation Month
You don’t need a uniform or a big budget to take part:
- Say thank you in person. A short conversation with a veteran or active-duty service member matters more than most people realize.
- Show up at a local event. Parades, retirement ceremonies, and Memorial Day services across the South Sound are open to the public.
- Fly the flag correctly. Half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, then full-staff for the rest of the day.
- Volunteer or donate. The USO at JBLM, and the Fisher House Foundation can all use the help.
Frequently asked questions
When is Military Appreciation Month 2026? The full month of May, from May 1 through May 31, 2026.
Is Military Appreciation Month the same as Memorial Day? No. Memorial Day (May 25, 2026) is one observance inside the larger month. Memorial Day remembers those who died in service. Military Appreciation Month covers all service members, past and present, and their families.