The month of May has two major celebrations of U.S. veterans: Armed Forces Week and Memorial Day. During this time, events pop up around the country like parades, air shows and flag-raising ceremonies.
Armed Forces Week culminates in Armed Forces Day, when many of the biggest events occur to honor those who served in times of war and peace. Later in the month, on Memorial Day, we remember those who died fighting in America’s wars.
The 2026 schedule is:
- Armed Forces Week, May 9 – May 16
- Armed Forces Day, May 16
- Memorial Day, May 25
Armed Forces Week and Memorial Day are times of celebration, mourning and remembrance. They are also times for renewing commitments to advocacy and awareness around military and veteran causes. A key element of this is highlighting U.S. veteran access to compensation and healthcare. It also involves raising awareness about the heightened risk of mesothelioma among service members.
Armed Forces Day: A Time to Raise Awareness in Military Communities
People honor service members in many ways during Armed Forces Week, including:
- Aircraft flyovers
- Fitness events
- Luncheons
- Military balls
- Parades
- Religious services
Activities also include health-themed events, which may touch on health problems many veterans face. For example, veterans faced toxic exposure risks from their time serving the country through things like:
Exposure to these substances is linked to health problems. For instance, asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma cancer. The U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) provides benefits for veterans with mesothelioma and other conditions connected to military work. Eligible veterans can access these benefits, which the VA offers in acknowledgement of their service.
Veterans may also be able to seek compensation from companies whose military equipment exposed them to toxins that led to their illness. They can reach out to toxic exposure lawyers, who are able to file lawsuits and argue cases on their behalf.
It is important to raise awareness about the risk of asbestos exposure in the military. More awareness may contribute to more favorable outcomes, as veterans know to be on the lookout for signs of mesothelioma. Early diagnosis may offer more treatment options and longer survival.
Memorial Day: A Time to Remember Those Who Lost Their Lives Serving
Memorial Day is a time to remember those who died serving in the U.S. military. This includes those who were exposed to toxins in the line of service and later died of a related disease.
Families of veterans who have passed may still qualify for VA benefits. They may also be able to file lawsuits against companies that sold asbestos to the military. If their loved one died from mesothelioma or another asbestos disease, companies may be liable for their death.
On Memorial Day, people honor fallen soldiers with parades, wearing red poppies and visiting cemeteries and memorials. This is an important time to reflect on the sacrifices veterans have made and what we owe them and their families.
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