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Florida’s Friendliest County Honors May
as Military Appreciation Month

by Lois Bolin, Ph.D., Old Naples Historian

ollier County has many remembrances women who died while in military service. Collier County Veterans
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to celebrate in the month of May. The Council will host its Memorial Day tribute on May 27 at Naples
CCity of Naples, once called a ‘nothing Memorial Garden at 10 a.m. No reservations are required.
to do in little town’ in a 1949 Florida Trend On behalf of local veterans, their families and supporting
magazine article, was also called ‘the little organizations, SWFL Veterans Alliance and VFW Post 7721
bend in the road’. The road to which they were Auxiliary, is requesting a proclamation from Collier County
referring was the Tamiami Trail, completed Commissioner Chairman, Chris Hall, for National Military
April 26, 1928, by Baron Gift Collier, whose Appreciation Month. The intent is to raise awareness of this special
personal pledge to finish the highway between Tampa and month and to encourage families, businesses, and groups to create
Miami led the Florida State Legislature to create Collier County their own appreciation program at home, in the classroom,
on May 8, 1923. or the office.
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On Collier County’s 22 birthday, there was a bigger Our Veteran friendly community comes together not just
celebration Naples shared with America -VE Day- the ending of with words but also with deeds throughout the year to honor the
the WWII in Europe. VE Day is part of several remembrance profound debt of gratitude we have for our military, their spouses,
days in the month of May, which eventually led the United and their families. A few of the programs include Honor Flights,
States Congress in 1999 to make May our official National Freedom Memorial 9/11, Wreaths Across America, Take a Soldier
Military Appreciation Month (NMAM). Fishing, Veterans Day Poppies, overseas care packages, RT (real
NMAM’s purpose is to raise awareness and to encourage time) gift cards and Christmas spirit support. These groups show
celebration and appreciation of those who serve or who have their appreciation to our military, veterans and their families’
served in the armed forces including appreciation days for strength and resolve, which reflects the best of the American spirit.
spouses and families. Ways to support NMAM
In the Merry Month of May Display the American Flag at your home or business; show
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May 1 , Loyalty Day, a day to reaffirm our loyalty to the your support on social media with #MilitaryAppreciationMonth;
United States and to recognize the heritage of American share, like, comment, post, and re-post on social media to put a
freedom. spotlight on NMAM events and observances; send a care package
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May 4 , National Day of Prayer. to a soldier or call *VFW Post 7721 Auxiliary for assistance;
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May 5-11 , Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) encourage elected officials at all levels to recognize our military
occurs the first full week of May to honor the men and and veterans; see someone in uniform thank them for their service;
women who serve our nation as federal, state, county and local surprise them with a coffee, dessert, or drink if they are in line
government employees who ensure that our government is the with you; businesses can honor and recognize the month through
best in the world. their websites, social media, and newsletters; donate to a veteran or
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May 8 , Victory in Europe (VE) Day commemorates the military charity; or hire a Veteran.
ending of WWII in Europe. But Wait; There’s More
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May 10 , Military Spouse Appreciation Day, is traditionally Our Collier County Commissioners are hard at work to get a
the Friday before Mother’s Day. This day honors and recognizes State Veterans' Nursing Home and Adult Day Health Care facility
the important role our military families play in keeping our on the property located on Golden Gate Parkway and 951 as well as
Armed Forces strong. a Collier County Veterans Services Center, which could house the
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May 12 , Mother’s Day. Military Museum now located at the Naples Airport.
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May 18 , Armed Forces Day is celebrated the third Saturday Commissioner Saunders stated, “This veterans' campus would
in May for citizens to come together and thank our military provide synergy in meeting nearly all veteran-related needs,” and
members for their patriotic service in support of our country. surely give Naples, Collier County the honor of being called the
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May 27 , 2024, Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed Friendliest Veteran County in Florida.
on the last Monday in May, which commemorates the men and
18 Life in Naples | May, June, July 2024