National Military Appreciation Month

What is the meaning of Memorial Day?

Going back as far as I can remember, Memorial Day in my family has meant remembering the loved ones we have lost. Honoring the memories of beloved family members, including my infant sister who died at only six months of age. Bringing flowers to their graveside on an almost summer and almost always hot day. Celebrating the love of family by spending time together outside of work and school. That is the original, personal meaning I carry with me each Memorial Day.

Of course, as I grew older and gained more life experience, my worldview changed. Only then did I come to realize all the meanings of Memorial Day. Today, I think of the families preparing to bring flowers to the gravesides of their beloved soldiers, men and women who sacrificed their lives in service to our great country. I think of the young – and the young at heart – eager to wear red, white, and blue at local parades.

Today, I think of the families preparing to bring flowers to the gravesides of their beloved soldiers, men and women who sacrificed their lives in service to our great country.

Indeed, there is no one way to celebrate Memorial Day. I sincerely hope, however, that we all take a moment to appreciate those who have protected our freedoms, including the freedom to choose how we will spend the day.

Originally called Decoration Day when it was formalized in 1868, Memorial Day is the final of three designated days to honor the military community in May, following Armed Forces Day and Military Spouse Appreciation Day. In fact, May is National Military Appreciation Month.

What is the meaning of appreciation?

The word appreciation derives from the Latin word for price. I believe it is very important to appreciate that members of the military community are willing to pay the ultimate price for our country.

Perhaps another way to translate this word is to think of appreciation as the act of pausing to consider someone or something not in the literal sense of a price or sum, but rather, in the sense of intangible value. Freedom, sacrifice, leadership, determination, the resiliency of the human spirit – these are ideals we value, and ideals that the best of the military community represent for us.

Latin origins aside, to me appreciation means acknowledgment. National Military Appreciation Month gives citizens the opportunity to acknowledge the current, former, and departed men and women of the military community – including active-duty, guard, reservists, and veterans. If you’re not in this group, you likely know someone who is.

Freedom, sacrifice, leadership, determination, the resiliency of the human spirit – these are ideals we value, and ideals that the best of the military community represent for us.

What does the military mean to financial services?

There’s a strong connection between the military community and the financial services profession – and one we continue to strengthen.

Back in 2021, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reported 200,000 service members transitioned to civilian life per year. As of late last year, that number has increased to 250,000 per year. I am hopeful many will join us by pursuing careers in financial services.

When veterans search for well-paying and fulfilling careers that emphasize service and leadership (careers to which they are well-suited), financial professional and financial advisor consistently appear in the top 10 of many lists (here’s an example). Likewise, in my experience, if I had to come up with a list of the greatest leaders in financial services, there’s no doubt military veterans would make it into that top 10.

As I like to say within our College community, and something that certainly holds true within the military-College community: We are stronger together!

When veterans search for well-paying and fulfilling careers that emphasize service and leadership (careers to which they are well-suited), financial professional and financial advisor consistently appear in the top 10 of many lists

How can you get involved?

I want to take this chance to appreciate and acknowledge the military community directly. Thank you for your service! And thank you for being part of The College – whether you’re a student, an alumna, alumnus, or designee, or just getting started.

Others, please join me in recognizing our colleagues who have military backgrounds, or who have family members who are serving or have served. If you can’t connect in person or by phone, you may share this message or acknowledge them on LinkedIn.

You’ll recall I opened this blog by suggesting you ask your friends about their traditions, and I hope you do. I’ll close by asking about yours: Would you please thoughtfully consider starting a new tradition of honoring those who have strengthened our nation – and our profession – by supporting College scholarships, events, or other efforts in the military community?

The American College Center for Military and Veterans Affairs and Center founding partner and sponsor Penn Mutual invite you to join the cause – to help members of the military community expand their opportunities.

Although we can’t put a price on their contributions, we can acknowledge how much we appreciate and value the military community.

Get Involved