Every time freedom has been handed from one generation to the next, it has been by American patriots who are willing to stand between a threat and our civilian population. The U.S. House of Representatives approved a resolution that I authored urging the president to issue a proclamation calling on Americas to annually observe the month of May as National Military Appreciation Month. Designating this month to honor the more than 90 million Americans who have served in our nation’s military and their families would encourage communities to participate in ceremonies paying tribute to their service and the crucial role they played in our nation’s history. The selfless devotion of those who have worn the uniform of our armed forces, both past and present, deserves every ounce of our appreciation, respect and gratitude.