Today, we celebrate Military Spouse Appreciation Day, sharing our heartfelt appreciation for all Military spouses. Service members recognize the distinguished role, commitment, and support of their military service, and their communities.
The life of a military family is one of unique challenges and sacrifice coupled with opportunity and experience that most people cannot imagine. No one understands the requirements of this life more than a spouse. From a short-notice move to extended deployments, Spouses take on military life with grace and resiliency. Their selfless contributions provide stability that enables mission and family readiness and greatly increases the quality of life of their service members.
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan set aside the first day of appreciation for military spouses. This formal recognition showed the importance of the role the military spouse has in the readiness of our armed forces. The same is true today. The military spouse exudes grace, strength, and devotion in the face of frequent challenges.
I’m grateful for my very special military spouse – and best friend – and encourage you to extend your appreciation to the military husbands and wives in your life, whether it’s a neighbor, a co-worker, or a mother/father. Veterans and service members, take a moment to express your gratitude to your spouse. A simple “thank you for all that you do” will make their day brighter and will convey your appreciation.