WASHINGTON -- Organizers for National Military Appreciation Month are asking Americans to show their appreciation for the military by displaying the American flag and the POW/MIA flag May 1 through Flag Day on June 14.

In 1999, a resolution was passed in Congress proclaiming May as National Military Appreciation Month. The month remembers those who gave their lives in defense of the nation's freedom and honors those Americans who have served their country, and the men and women now serving in uniform on active duty, in the National Guard and Reserve and all of their families. More than 80 million Americans have served in uniform in more than 225 years of American history.

May includes Loyalty Day (May 1), VE Day (May 8), Military Spouse Day (May 9), Armed Forces Day (May 17) and Memorial Day (May 30).

"Whether we are at war or peace, we must let our men and women know we appreciate all that they do and have done for us," said Alice Wax, the event's executive director. "My late husband, a (World War II) veteran, was a strong supporter of the military, and I felt strongly about finding a way to honor our servicemembers."

Event organizers are asking all Americans to remember, honor and appreciate the military by displaying U.S. flags and yellow ribbons on cars, homes, businesses and in classrooms.

For further information, go to the National Military Appreciation Month Web site.