Military Appreciation | Honoring Our Veterans, Active Duty and Reserves

Military appreciation is commonly shown during several observances throughout the year. We are in full support of our fellow U.S. citizens providing that support and gratitude during those observances. However, we encourage showing our military appreciation year-round, to honor the brave men and women who serve our nation. We believe this ongoing support is important to our military service members and their families.

Each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces play a vital role in defending and serving the needs of our country. Here we give thanks to our service members and provide ways you can also express gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Understanding Our Military Community

For those getting familiar with military terminology:

• Military Veterans are the roughly 15.8 million Americans who have previously served in the U.S. Armed Forces
• Active-Duty personnel are the 1.3 million service members currently serving
• Reserves include over 800,000 members who provide support to the U.S. Armed Forces

Our Gratitude to Veterans

The most current and reliable estimate for the number of U.S. military Veterans is approximately 15.8 million as of 2023, representing about 6.1% of the adult American population according to U.S. consensus from official government data (Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics). These men and women have sacrificed tremendously to protect our nation. They put their lives on the line, spend time away from families, and may also be dealing with physical or mental injuries from their service.

Veterans bring invaluable skills and experience to our communities and workplaces after their service ends. Their leadership abilities, technical expertise, and disciplined approach, strengthen our national economy and local communities.

Appreciation for Active-Duty Service Members

Active-duty personnel continue to serve our country every day, both at home and overseas. They remain ready to respond to threats and maintain our national security, often at great personal cost. Their ongoing sacrifices include extended deployments away from family, frequent relocations, and the physical demands of military service.

The Six Branches of the U.S. Military

Each branch of our armed forces has its own proud history, unique mission, and dedicated personnel.

• United States Army – As the oldest and largest branch, the Army includes 480,000 active-duty personnel, 525,000 National Guard and Reserve members, and 7 million veterans.
• United States Navy – The Navy protects America’s interests at sea with over 340,000 active-duty personnel, 58,000 Navy Reserve members, and 4 million veterans.
• United States Air Force – The Air Force provides crucial air defense capabilities with 340,000 active-duty personnel, 175,000 Air National Guard and Reserve members, and over 3 million veterans.
• United States Marine Corps – The Marine Corps operates under the Department of the Navy with 180,000 active-duty personnel, 38,000 Marine Corps Reserve members, and 2 million veterans.
• United States Coast Guard – The Coast Guard secures our nation’s maritime borders with 42,000 active-duty personnel, 6,000 Coast Guard Reserve members, and 176,000 veterans.
• United States Space Force – As our newest military branch, the Space Force operates under the Department of the Air Force, focusing on organizing, training, and equipping space operations.

Our National Guard and Reserve Forces

The 800,000+ members of the National Guard and Reserve components provide essential support to all military branches. Beyond their primary national defense mission, these service members frequently respond to domestic emergencies, support disaster relief efforts, and assist civil authorities when needed.

While serving in a support capacity, National Guard and Reserve members make substantial sacrifices, balancing military duties with civilian careers and family responsibilities.

Recognizing Military Families and Spouses

Military families are the backbone of our armed forces. They manage households during deployments, relocate frequently, and provide crucial emotional support to service members. Military spouses often interrupt their own careers to support their service member’s military obligations.

The challenges faced by military families are unique and significant, ranging from the anxiety of having a loved one in harm’s way to the practical difficulties of frequent moves and reestablishing community connections.

Thank you, military families and spouses, for your resilience and the support you provide your family members during their service duties.

Military Observances Calendar

Marking these important dates on your calendar provides opportunities to show your appreciation throughout the year:

February

• Coast Guard Reserve Birthday (February 19) – Commemorating the establishment of the Coast Guard Reserve in 1941

March

• Navy Reserve Birthday (March 3) – Celebrating the founding of the Navy Reserve in 1915
• K-9 Veterans Day (March 13) – Honoring military working dogs’ service since the Army began their K-9 Corps in 1942
• Medal of Honor Day (March 25) – Recognizing recipients of America’s highest military decoration
• Vietnam War Veterans Day (March 29) – Honoring those who served during the Vietnam conflict (1955-1975)

April

• Month of the Military Child – Recognizing the resilience and sacrifices of military children who must adapt while living a military family lifestyle
• Gold Star Spouses Day (April 5) – Honoring spouses of fallen service members
• Air Force Reserve Birthday (April 14) – Celebrating the establishment of the Air Force Reserve in 1948
• Army Reserve Birthday (April 23) – Commemorating the founding of the Army Reserve in 1908

May

• National Military Appreciation Month – A month-long celebration of military service
• Military Caregiver Month – Recognizing those who care for wounded, ill, or injured veterans
• Silver Star Service Banner Day (May 1) – Honoring wounded, ill, and injured Veterans
• Military Spouse Appreciation Day (Friday before Mother’s Day) – Recognizing the contributions of military spouses
• Children of Fallen Patriots Day (May 13) – Supporting children who have lost a parent in military service
• Armed Forces Day (Third Saturday in May) – Celebrating all branches of the Armed Forces
• Memorial Day (Last Monday of May) – Honoring those who died while serving in the military

June

• D-Day Anniversary (June 6) – Commemorating the Allied landing at Normandy during WWII
• Army Birthday (June 14) – Celebrating the formation of the Continental Army in 1775
• Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday (June 23) – Recognizing the establishment of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in 1939

July

• National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day (July 27) – Marking the end of hostilities in the Korean War

August

• Coast Guard Birthday (August 4) – Commemorating the founding of the U.S. Coast Guard in 1790
• Purple Heart Day (August 7) – Honoring recipients of the Purple Heart medal
• Marine Corps Reserve Birthday (August 29) – Celebrating the establishment of the Marine Corps Reserve in 1916

September

• POW/MIA Recognition Day (Third Friday) – Remembering prisoners of war and those missing in action
• Air Force Birthday (September 18) – Commemorating the establishment of the Air Force in 1947
• Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day (Last Sunday) – Honoring families who have lost service members

October

• Navy Birthday (October 13) – Celebrating the founding of the U.S. Navy in 1775
• National Day of the Deployed (October 26) – Supporting troops deployed worldwide

November

• Military Family Month – Recognizing the contributions of military families
• Warrior Care Month – Supporting wounded, injured, or ill service members
• Marine Corps Birthday (November 10) – Commemorating the founding of the Marine Corps in 1775
• Veterans Day (November 11) – Honoring all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces

December

• Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7) – Commemorating the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor
• U.S. Army National Guard Birthday (December 13) – Celebrating the oldest component of the Armed Forces
• National Wreaths Across America Day (Second Saturday) – Placing wreaths on Veterans’ graves
• U.S. Space Force Birthday (December 20) – Recognizing the establishment of the Space Force in 2019

14 Meaningful Ways to Show Military Appreciation

• Attend Military Events – Participate in local parades, ceremonies, and fundraisers that honor service members
• Organize Community Support – Take the initiative to plan events that bring your community together to support military personnel and their families
• Donate to Military Nonprofits – Support organizations that provide services to Veterans and Active-Duty personnel
• Display the American Flag Properly – Show patriotism by correctly flying the U.S. flag according to proper etiquette
• Send Care Packages or Letters – Through organizations like Operation Gratitude, send support to deployed service members
• Connect with Service Members – Get to know military families in your community and express your appreciation personally
• Volunteer Your Time – Assist at VA facilities or help with transportation for Veterans’ medical appointments
• Support Military Families – Offer practical help like meal preparation, childcare, or household assistance
• Visit Military Memorials – Pay respects at military cemeteries or memorials and help maintain these sacred spaces
• Support Veteran-Owned Businesses – Choose to purchase products and services from companies owned by Veterans
• Show Your Military Pride – Wear apparel supporting military branches to demonstrate appreciation
• Share Support on Social Media – Use your online presence to promote military appreciation and events
• Offer Military Discounts – Business owners can provide special pricing for military personnel and their families
• Hire Veterans – Employ Veterans and utilize their exceptional skills, leadership abilities, and work ethic

How Homes for Heroes shows Military Appreciation

In addition to doing many of the items noted above, Homes for Heroes and our local specialists, believe military appreciation should extend to one of life’s most significant investments: homeownership.

We understand the unique challenges faced by Active Duty and Veteran military service members. That’s why our home buying and selling program is designed to give back to our U.S. military members across the country, saving them an average of $3,000 when they buy or sell a home with our local specialists. Those who both buy and sell, receive an average savings of $6,000, which can cover moving expenses, essential home improvements, or boost emergency savings.

From military service members who worked with Homes for Heroes and received significant savings:

“As a Marine Veteran I never expect anything for FREE just because I chose to stand in front of our flag. However, when an organization feels I deserve something because of that decision, I am humbled and thankful.” – Mike in Arizona

“Our agent was highly knowledgeable about benefits for Veterans and the Veterans Administration home purchasing process. Without her expertise, we truly believe we would not now be in our “forever” home. In addition to all her help, we received a check through Homes for Heroes and it arrived shortly after we closed, just when we needed it. We are most grateful for the generosity of our agent and Homes for Heroes. Thank you all very much.” – Steve in Oregon

“Our agent made the experience so easy! This is an amazing program for Heroes. Being a Navy Vet there are not many programs that are in place to truly assist Veterans, however this one is! This allowed us the flexibility to work with an agent, without feeling like every penny was given to commission. It helped us sell our home and buy our forever home!” – Jason in Texas

Homes for Heroes Foundation Grants to Assist Active Duty, Reserves and Veterans

In addition to helping our military service members on an individual basis, Homes for Heroes also shows our appreciation by supporting organizations that help with other needs through our Homes for Heroes Foundation.

For example the Homes for Heroes Foundation recently awarded grants to the following organizations that support their local Veterans and their families who are facing challenging circumstances.

• $5,000 grant to Foothills Veterans Helping Veterans
• $5,000 grant to Newby-ginnings
• $5,000 Grant to the Eagle OPS Foundation

Homes for Heroes also partners with U.S. military organizations around the nation including:

• Air Force Sergeants Association
• Association of the United States Army
• MOAA Foundation
• Blue Star Families
• Safe Military Housing Initiative
• The Kaufman Fund

Ready to see how Homes for Heroes can help you or the military service member in your life save on a home? Sign up to speak with a Homes for Heroes specialist in your area.

From all of us at Homes for Heroes, we extend our deepest thanks to our Active Duty, Reserves, Veterans, and the supportive and resilient families of our service members for your unwavering commitment and sacrifice to the service of our country.

Thank you for your service.