Military Appreciation Day

Military Appreciation Day is any event intended to express appreciation for men and women currently (and sometimes formerly) in military service, just like Armed Forces Day. A particular "Military Appreciation Day" is a date selected for convenience, typically but not necessarily approximate to Veterans Day or Memorial Day nor Armed Forces Day.

Sports teams

The NHL's New York Islanders first instituted a "Military Appreciation Day" in 2007. Their 2008 commemoration coincided with November 11, and was attended by former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell, who dropped the ceremonial first puck of that game.[1] The Islanders intend each year's "Military Appreciation Day" to be the home game closest to Veterans Day.

The New York Jets of the NFL's American Football Conference have commemorated “Jets Military Appreciation Day” since 2000. Recent dates include November 19, 2006; November 4, 2007; and November 9, 2008.[2][3][4]

In 2015, it was reported that the United States Department of Defense provided millions in funding to professional sports organizations in exchange for pro-military messaging, such as a "salute" to active duty soldiers and war veterans.[5][6]

Zoos

Hawaii – The USO Hawaii sponsored the first Military Appreciation Day at the Honolulu Zoo in 2005. In 2008, the event was on Saturday, June 28.[7][8]

Virginia – The USO and the Virginia Zoo hosted a 2008 "MAD" on Sunday, October 5.[9][10]

Washington – Near Tacoma, Washington, the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium celebrated MAD on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 with free admission for active duty military, veterans and their families.[11]

Hospitality industry

The Golden Corral chain gives a free “thank you” dinner to any person who has ever served in the United States Military on its "Military Appreciation Monday". In 2008, the event was held on Monday, November 17, 2008 from 5 pm to 9 pm.[12]

Six Flags Over Georgia observes four branch-specific MADs, granting free admission to military personnel on September 18, 19, 25, and 26 in 2010.[13]

National Speed, Inc. holds a yearly Military Appreciation Day event open to all branches of the military and to the public. The event is always held on Armed Forces Day and all proceeds are donated to Wounded Warrior Project.[14]

References
  1. Isles Celebrate Military Appreciation Day
  2. Jets Salute American Heroes Archived 2007-12-29 at the Wayback Machine
  3. Honoring the Troops on Military Appreciation Day Archived 2008-03-31 at the Wayback Machine
  4. Jets honor servicemembers with military appreciation day
  5. Mach, Andrew (May 10, 2015). "Report: Defense Dept. paid NFL millions of taxpayer dollars to salute troops". NPR. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  6. Boren, Cindy (November 4, 2015). "Report: At least 50 teams were paid by Department of Defense for patriotic displays". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  7. "Honolulu Zoo Society President's Message: July 2005 Message". Archived from the original on 2010-01-19. Retrieved 2010-01-18.
  8. USO | Hawaii Programs and Services
  9. Military Appreciation Day at the Virginia Zoo
  10. USO of Hampton Roads and the Virginia Zoo Host Military Families
  11. Zoo celebrates Military Appreciation Day Archived 2011-05-24 at the Wayback Machine
  12. Golden Corral
  13. Six Flags Over Georgia: All Events
  14. "maddynoday.com". Archived from the original on 2010-07-21. Retrieved 2019-05-04.
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