Each year on the third Saturday in May, some pause to recognize and honor the brave men and women actively serving in the United States military.
Armed Forces Day, established in 1949 by President Harry S. Truman, was created to unify the separate military branches (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force) under the Department of Defense and give civilians an opportunity to express gratitude to those currently in uniform, not veterans (today) but those actively carrying the responsibility of protecting our nation.
This day is more than a patriotic observance—it’s a reminder of the sacrifice, resilience, and courage required to serve. While many of us go about our daily routines—school drop-offs, grocery runs, workouts, and workdays—there are individuals standing watch, training relentlessly, and often navigating high-stress, high-stakes environments far from home.
HONORING ACTIVE SERVICE MEMBERS
Honoring those who serve doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, intentional acts can carry deep meaning:
- Send a care package or handwritten note to an active-duty service member
- Support military families in your community
- Attend local Armed Forces Day events or parades
- Pray for protection, strength, and peace over those serving
- Simply say “thank you” when you see someone in uniform
Gratitude is powerful, and when expressed genuinely, it has the ability to uplift both the giver and the receiver.
THE SILENT BATTLES: MENTAL HEALTH IN THE MILITARY
While we often recognize the physical demands of military service, the mental and emotional challenges can be just as intense—if not more so.
According to studies from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense:
- An estimated 11–20% of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom experience PTSD in a given year
- Rates of depression and anxiety are significantly higher among service members compared to the general population
- Suicide remains a critical concern, with military suicide rates exceeding civilian averages in recent years
These statistics are sobering, but they also call us into action. Supporting mental wellness—whether for a service member, a loved one, or ourselves—requires compassion, awareness, and accessible tools.
NATURAL SUPPORT FOR EMOTIONAL WELLNESS
While professional care is essential for those experiencing PTSD, depression, or anxiety, there are complementary, natural approaches that can help support emotional balance and resilience.
Breath + Stillness: Simple breathing practices can help regulate the nervous system. Try this box breathing: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds. Repeat for a few minutes to calm the body and mind.
Movement: Gentle stretching or mindful movement like walking,
assisted stretching, or yoga helps release stored tension in the body—something especially important for those holding chronic stress.
Prayer & Grounding: As a foundational part of self-care, prayer invites peace, perspective, and connection. Even a few quiet moments can create space for emotional reset.
Olfactory Support: Essential oils have been increasingly studied for their impact on mood and stress response.
One of the most well-researched essential oils is
lavender. A review published on PubMed found that lavender essential oil demonstrated anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, supporting its use for stress and mood regulation:
Another clinical study highlighted the use of
aromatherapy in reducing symptoms of anxiety and improving mood in stressful environments:
These findings reinforce what many holistic practitioners have long observed—nature provides powerful tools to support the body and mind.
A CALMING BLEND SPOTLIGHT
One of my favorite systems for emotional support is the
Adaptiv Calming Blend System from doTERRA. This blend is specifically designed to help the body adapt to stress and promote a sense of calm and balance. It’s been clinically studied for its ability to support:
- Feelings of anxiety and overwhelm
- Emotional regulation during transitions
- Mood stabilization and resilience
Whether used aromatically, topically, or as part of a daily wellness routine, Adaptiv can be a beautiful companion for those navigating high-stress environments—like our military members.
TALON’S JOURNEY
This Armed Forces Day feels especially close to my heart.
My son, Talon, who is currently on a Navy ROTC scholarship at the University of Florida (studying mechanical engineering), is preparing to head to San Diego for a month-long summer training program called CORTRAMID (Career Orientation and Training for Midshipmen).
CORTRAMID is an immersive experience designed to give rising sophomore midshipmen firsthand exposure to the different communities within the Navy and Marine Corps. During this training, Talon will rotate through:
- Surface Warfare
- Submarine Operations
- Aviation
- Marine Corps training
It’s an incredible opportunity for him to learn, grow, and better understand where his future in service may lead. As a mom, there’s a mix of pride, gratitude, and yes…a little nervousness, but above all, a deep sense of purpose in watching him step into something greater than himself.
WITH GRATITUDE
To every man and woman currently serving in our Armed Forces… thank you.
Thank you for your sacrifice, your discipline, your courage, and your willingness to stand in the gap so that others may live in freedom. You carry responsibilities most of us will never fully understand, and for that, we honor you not just today, but every day.
May you be protected, supported, and surrounded with peace—body, mind, and spirit.
And may we, as civilians, never take for granted the lives we are able to live because of your service.
xoDanette