National Military Families Month Kicks Off November 1

In the lead-up to Veterans Day, military families will have a chance to bask in the recognition of some of their fellow Americans. November is National Military Families Month, so it is only fitting that civilians show their appreciation for veterans and their families during this time of the year.

“The purpose is to celebrate and honor our military, and to also bridge the gap between military and civilian populations,” Julianne Sanford, a local veterans advocate and program coordinator, told the Progress. “What we’re trying to do is provide ways for civilians to reach out to the military population and for the military population to successfully reintegrate (into civilian life).”

Last year, U.S. President Barack Obama proclaimed November National Military Families Month. First Lady Michelle Obama has been noticed for her advocacy of veteran and military families.

“Just as our troops embody the courage and character that make America’s military the finest in the world, their family members embody the resilience and generosity that make our communities strong,” President Obama wrote in a statement.

Military families are awarded VA benefits and other provisions of gratitude, but National Military Family Awareness Month is a new designation in the U.S. The month logically takes place over Americans’ observed day of remembrance, Veterans Day.

In Jacksonville, numerous events will take place over a period of two weeks. The Lone Star Military and First Responders Appreciation Event will kick off the month with a celebration on November 1. An opening day ride will be held at 3 p.m., and various participants will ride motorcycles to various locations throughout the county.

Other forms of entertainment, including live music, shared meals, drives and speakers will help commemorate the month.

“The proceeds will go to support vets in our local area,” Sanford told the Progress.

In El Dorado, Kansas, local military families are gearing up for similar celebrations, the Leavenworth Times reported. Week-long Veterans Day events events will help kickstart the month, starting with a chicken and noodle dinner on November 4. A Spotlight on Youth celebration and an Ice Cream Social will take place on November 6 – an event that will likely be appealing to children of military families.