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Jill Jensen

  • MILITARY FAMILY APPRECIATION MONTH

    November 2026 marks National Veterans and Military Families Month, a time to honor the service, sacrifice, strength, and resilience of military families across the nation. While service members wear the uniform, their families share many of the demands and challenges of military life, including deployments, frequent relocations, extended separations, long-distance relationships, atypical parenting and childcare arrangements, and the difficulties of building careers and maintaining stable routines. Throughout the year, military families adapt to these challenges while providing unwavering support to their loved ones in uniform. Their strength and commitment are essential to military readiness, the nation’s defense, and the broader military community, making their contributions deserving of recognition and appreciation.

    National Veterans and Military Families Month 2026 also provides an opportunity for communities, organizations, and individuals to demonstrate meaningful gratitude and support for military families. Recognizing their contributions can mean more than simply saying thank you; it can include listening to their experiences, learning more about military family life, supporting military-connected organizations, and helping ensure families have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. By acknowledging both the unique challenges military families face and the vital role they play, communities can help ensure that these families know that their service, sacrifices, and everyday contributions are valued.

    Here are some books, both fiction and nonfiction, that give a bit more insight into military family life:

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  • DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

    Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed each October to raise awareness about the impact of domestic abuse on individuals, families, and communities. The month encourages education about the many forms of abuse.

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  • AMAZING DOGS!

    September is a meaningful month for dog lovers and disability advocates alike, as it recognizes National Service Dog Month, National Guide Dog Month, and Responsible Dog Ownership Month. Together, these observances celebrate the remarkable dogs that help people live more independent lives while also reminding all pet owners of the lifelong commitment that comes with caring for a dog.

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  • EAT DESSERT FIRST!

    Did you know that August is National “Eat Dessert First Month”?

    National Eat Dessert First Month is a fun, tasty, and indulgent observance that encourages people to enjoy desserts as the first course. It’s not a formal holiday with official government recognition, but it’s widely recognized in food and lifestyle communities. Every August, there are 31 blissful days when you are given the green light to indulge your sweet tooth before your main meal, not after.

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  • SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL – AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY

    SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL – AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY

    The United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary, known also as the Semiquincentennial, on July 4, 2026, marking two and a half centuries since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Communities across the country are planning parades, concerts, historical reenactments, museum exhibits, volunteer projects, and fireworks displays, to honor the nation’s history and look toward its future.

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