Connecticut Veterans Bulletin

Serving Those Who Served
May 1, 2026 0000 hrs

A Month of Allegiance: Honoring the Sacrifice Behind the Service

HARTFORD, CT — Today, May 1, marks the beginning of National Military Appreciation Month, a time for our nation to pause and recognize the profound impact of the United States Armed Forces. While May concludes with the solemnity of Memorial Day, the month opens with a powerful trifecta of observances that highlight the depth of the military experience: Loyalty Day, Silver Star Banner Day, and the commencement of the Month of the Military Caregiver.
As we fly our colors today, we do so with a renewed sense of Loyalty Day—a tradition established to reaffirm our shared devotion to the American heritage and the liberties that our service members defend. Yet, we must also acknowledge the cost of that defense. On Silver Star Banner Day, we honor our wounded, ill, and injured veterans. These men and women carry the physical and invisible scars of their oath, and today is a dedicated time to ensure their sacrifices are never overlooked.
Behind every wounded veteran stands a support system often operating in the shadows. As we enter the Month of the Military Caregiver, the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin salutes the millions of spouses, parents, and children who provide the daily care necessary for our heroes to live with dignity. This month, we encourage every citizen to look beyond the uniform and see the family and the resilience that sustains our military community.

May 1st Observances & Significance

• Silver Star Banner Day: A day to honor the gallantry and sacrifice of service members who have been wounded or become ill as a result of their combat service. It is a time for communities to recognize the “Silver Star” families in their midst.
• Loyalty Day: Officially designated by Congress in 1958, this is a day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American liberty.
• Month of the Military Caregiver: May is dedicated to the millions of “Hidden Heroes” who care for wounded, ill, or injured service members. Their tireless work is the backbone of veteran recovery.
• National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM): This month-long observance encourages public support for the military, featuring several specific days of honor to ensure the history and impact of the Armed Forces are kept at the forefront of the national conversation.

Bulletin Board

Flag Protocol Reminder
When displaying or folding the American flag during this month’s ceremonies, remember that protocol is paramount. When properly folded, only the blue union (the stars) should be visible. No red or white stripes should be showing.
Upcoming Connecticut Events

• May 10: Mother’s Day (Honor our Blue and Gold Star Mothers)
• May 16: Armed Forces Day
• May 25: West Haven Memorial Day Parade (Monday, May 25, 2026)
• May 25: Portland West Hartford, Wethersfield, and Trumbull Memorial Day Parades
• Check back tomorrow, Saturday, May 2, for the full statewide Connecticut Veterans Calendar publication featuring over 100+ active listings.
  Submissions & Contact
  The CVB is a publication for and by Connecticut veterans. We welcome your stories, local event updates, and historical features.
  Email: ctvetsbulletin@gmail.com

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”