Joe Courtney: “25 years ago, the month of May was designated National Military Appreciation Month by an act of Congress introduced by…”

“25 years ago, the month of May was designated National Military Appreciation Month by an act of Congress introduced by the late Senator John McCain, a war hero from the State of Arizona. Since then, throughout every May, our Nation observes a series of military events: On May 8, Victory in Europe Day, the date Nazi Germany surrendered in World War II; May 10, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, to recognize the exacting service of military spouses; and, May 18, Armed Forces Day, to honor the roughly 1.4 million people who serve as Active-Duty troops in all six branches and the 760,000 National Guard and Reserves, every one of them volunteers. Lastly, on May 27, our Nation will observe its most solemn national holiday, Memorial Day, when across the country events will be held at military gravesites and veteran gathering places to remember and pray for those who gave their lives in defense of our Nation's freedoms and security. Mr. Speaker, the definition of appreciation is to express gratitude. Gratitude can come in many forms, verbal, which certainly counts, but the most meaningful is tangible support for the disruption and sacrifice that the hard work of military service entails. Mr.…”