National Military Women's Memorial ambassador encourages thanking service members and their families during May

Every month has its fair share of special days, ones to recognize significant people, places or moments in history that have had an impact on a community, state and our country.

May has many of them falling under the umbrella of Military Appreciation Month.

Enacted in 1999 by the late Sen. John McCain, National Military Appreciation Month is meant to pay special tribute to current and former members of all armed forces, including those who have died in service to the country. Our military services include the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force, along with National Guard and Reserve Forces. Today, more than 2 million men and women are serving in the armed forces of our nation.

Locally, Sumter has the third-largest military presence by total volume of military-related activity, behind Charleston and Columbia, as of 2024. There are more than 31,000 active duty, military family and retirees living in Sumter, according to City of Sumter.

There are several days throughout the month when communities locally and nationally can show their support for those who serve our nation in military uniforms and their ever-critical supporting family members.

May 1: Loyalty Day

May 8: VE Day, which means Victory in Europe, signifying the end of World War II

May 9: Military Spouses Day

May 16 (third Friday): National Defense Transportation Day, which honors those who drive/manage aircraft, ships and small package services under contract with the Department of Defense, including operations of military air and ocean terminals in and outside of the U.S.

May 17 (third Saturday): Armed Forces Day, which honors all military personnel serving in the Armed Forces

May 22: National Maritime Day, which honors our Maritime Industry and the Merchant Marines who are called up during wartime

May 26 (Last Monday in May): Memorial Day, which honors and remembers all men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces

Barbara Kucharczyk, a South Carolina ambassador to the Military Women's Memorial and a Sumterite, expressed while the month-long appreciation is much appreciated, May shouldn't be the only month to celebrate service.

"A handshake and a 'thank you for your service' or 'thank you for supporting your husband, wife, mom, dad, sister, daughter, son' always brings a smile and look of appreciation. May is a month of many thank yous, but they should be given year 'round," Kucharczyk said. "I'm hoping a greater awareness of those who serve and the family members supporting them brings greater unity to our population in general."

To do so, Kucharczyk offered several ways to show your support:

- Wear red, white and blue

- Buy and wear a poppy from American Legion or VFW members stationed at stores across town

- Place a flag, flowers or a wreath at the grave of a veteran

- Fly your flag at half-staff until noon, then raise it to full staff

- Decorate your home/lawn with patriotic colors

- Attend a parade, ceremony or church service

- Write a serviceman or servicewoman a letter

- Register a woman's service, at no cost, with the Military Women's Memorial (www.womensmemorial.org)

- If you are eligible, join an American Legion or VFW chapter

- Invite a veteran to speak to your church, group, club or organization

- Make a donation to a local veteran-oriented nonprofit organization

- Watch special programs on TV, including May 25 at 8 p.m. for PBS National Memorial Day Concert

- Listen to patriotic music on the radio

- Participate in the National Moment of Remembrance by observing a moment of silence at 3 p.m. For one minute, remember and send your thanks, love and prayers to those who gave their lives and those who serve today.

Spend the remainder of May celebrating and honoring the men and women who serve our nation, past and present.