May is National Military Appreciation Month, a designation Congress established in 1999 to give the nation a dedicated period to recognize the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, in the United States Armed Forces. Senator John McCain introduced the resolution, which passed the Senate unanimously 93-0, and every president since has issued a proclamation recognizing the month.
May was chosen deliberately. It contains more military-related observances than any other month on the calendar, making it a natural anchor for a broader month of recognition.
Key Dates in May 2026
Military Spouse Appreciation Day takes place today, Friday, May 8th, honoring the spouses who hold families together through deployments, relocations, and long separations. Armed Forces Day is Saturday, May 16th, recognizing everyone currently serving across all six branches: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force. And the month closes with Memorial Day on Monday, May 25th, the solemn federal holiday set aside to honor those who gave their lives in service to the country.
Also worth noting: today marks the 81st anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, commemorating Germany’s unconditional surrender to the Allies in 1945 and the end of World War II in Europe.
The Intersection of Military and Federal Service
For many in the federal workforce, military service and civilian service are not separate chapters; they are part of the same story. A significant portion of the federal civilian workforce is made up of veterans who transitioned from active duty into government careers, often bringing with them years of military service that can be credited toward their federal retirement.
If you served in the military before entering federal civilian service, that time may count toward your FERS retirement, but only if you have made the required military service deposit. Federal employees may not be aware that this deposit exists or that failing to make it can cost them years of creditable service and have a meaningful impact on their pension.
Military Appreciation Month is a good reminder to verify that your military service has been properly credited and that your retirement records accurately reflect your full career of service, both in uniform and out.
A Federal Retirement Consultant (FRC®) can help you review your service computation date, confirm whether your military deposit has been made, and make sure your retirement picture reflects everything you have earned. Schedule your complimentary benefits review today.
