National PTSD Awareness Month

When we think of opportunities to honor and support our veterans, Memorial Day and Veterans Day come to mind quickly. There are many other celebratory/recognition days noted on the calendar designated for specific branches of service, military families, and days of service to the community. During June, there are several days of significance, from honoring our flag to supporting those who suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Flag Day: Celebrated on June 14 commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The resolution read: “Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation.”

In 1916, the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 became a nationally observed event by a proclamation by President Woodrow Wilson. It was not designated as National Flag Day until August 3, 1949, when an Act of Congress designated June 14 each year as National Flag Day.

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Army Birthday: On June 14, 2022, the U.S. Army will celebrate its 245th birthday, making it the oldest branch in the military. The original army was formed from volunteer soldiers and minutemen defending their land against the British. In 1775 the Continental Army was formed under the leadership of General George Washington.

Today the United States Army has over one million soldiers on duty, with an additional 800,000 Reserve and National Guard members.

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D-Day: June 6: During WWII, the Battle of Normandy (June–August 1944) resulted in the allied liberation of Western Europe from Nazi German’s control. Codenamed Operation Overlord, the battle began on June 6, 1955, also known as D-Day. The combined forces of 160,000 American, British, and Canadian troops, 5,000 ships, and 13,000 aircraft supported the D-Day invasion along the coast of France’s Normandy region. This was one of the most amphibious military assaults in history and has been called the beginning of the end of the war in Europe.

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National Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month:
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are currently about 8 million people in the United States with PTSD. June has been designated as PTSD Awareness Month and brings attention to this critical mental health problem. While many people associate this illness with veterans, it also includes civilian survivors of sexual assault, serious accidents, natural disasters, or other traumatic events.

Those who serve in the military are exposed to different traumas and life-threatening experiences, which can lead to PTSD. The National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study (NVVRS) estimates that 30% of Vietnam Veterans have had PTSD in their lifetime. Combat Veterans during the Gulf War (Desert Storm) have an estimated 12% experiencing PTSD, and those that served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom range from 11-20% each year.

Help raise PTSD Awareness by spreading the word and helping someone get the support and treatment they need.

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