November is Military and Veteran Family Month

While the sacrifices made and hardships endured by our service members are well-documented, a related aspect that many people may not think about as often are the sacrifices made and hardships endured by military families as well. Maintaining a family in the civilian world is challenging enough, and military families may also face additional, unique challenges, such as frequent moves from base to base, having a loved one deployed for months on end, or dealing with long-term physical and/or emotional wounds, that can make the task of maintaining a family seem almost overwhelming.

As a result of the difficulties faced by military families, the Armed Services YMCA established Military Family Month in 1996 as a way to honor and recognize the sacrifices military families make, as well as to show our nation's support of, and appreciation for, these sacrifices. Each year since, the President of the United States has signed a proclamation declaring November as Military Family Month.

To mark the occasion, American military families around the world are honored through various ceremonies and events that thank them for their commitment to our military and to our nation throughout the month of November. These ceremonies and events include, but aren't limited to, family fun nights, community dinners, and special recognitions during community activities.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to military families for the support they provide for our service members on a daily basis. Your sacrifices on behalf of our country are truly inspiring.