Veterans & Military Families Month

Veterans & Military Families Month was established in 1996 by the Armed Services YMCA, with the U.S. Government recognizing the occasion every year since. Each November, the President signs a proclamation declaring November National Veterans & Military Families Month, and with hundreds of thousands of service members deployed overseas, recognizing the daily sacrifices made by active duty, Guard, and Reserve military families has never been more important.

Excerpt from the 2020 Presidential Proclamation:

“During National Veterans and Military Families Month, we celebrate the loved ones of our country’s men and women in uniform and recognize the sacrifices they have made in support of our Nation’s heroes.”

Reach out to your local MWR or Family Services offices to discover events and services scheduled in your area.

Appreciation for Veterans & Military Families Month

There are many local and national services provided to show appreciation during National Veterans & Military Families Month and beyond. Here are just a few:

• Every year you should be able to download a ‘Military Family Month’ packet from the Armed Services YMCA at www.asymca.org. The packet typically contains: a Military Family Month Poster; a Message from the President; a letter from the National Executive Director of the ASYMCA; Military Family Month Program Suggestions; and Guidelines for the annual art and essay contests.
• Sesame Street for Military Families Free App – Addresses topics such as deployments, homecoming, self-expression and injuries.
• Military children can find comfort in a free custom made photo transfer quilt or pillow through this program for children of deployed service members – Operation Kid Comfort.
• Many Military Families are eligible for a free YMCA or Private Fitness membership through the YMCA- DoD Initiative with the Armed Services YMCA.