Friday, May 6th, is Military Spouse Appreciation Day (Military Spouse Day), an American holiday that acknowledges and honors the spouses of U.S. service members. It takes place each year on the Friday before Mother’s Day.
Military spouses often have to endure frequent moves, lengthy separations, and the possible loss of their spouse.
The first Military Spouse Appreciation Day took place on May 23, 1984, with the following proclamation from President Ronald Reagan:
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Since the early days of the Continental Army, the wives of our servicemen have made unselfish contributions to the spirit and well-being of their fighting men and the general welfare of their communities.
Throughout the years, as the numbers of our married men and women in uniform have grown and as their military missions have become more complex and dispersed, their spouses have made countless personal sacrifices to support the Armed Forces. In many instances, they subordinated their personal and professional aspirations to the greater benefit of the service family. Responding to the call of duty, they frequently endured long periods of separation or left familiar surroundings and friends to reestablish their homes in distant places. And there they became American ambassadors abroad.
As volunteers, military spouses have provided exemplary service and leadership in educational, community, recreational, religious, social, and cultural endeavors. And as parents and homemakers, they preserve the cornerstone of our Nation’s strength—the American family.
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 23, 1984, as Military Spouse Day, in recognition of the profound importance of spouse commitment to the readiness and well-being of service members on active duty and in the National Guard and Reserve, and to the security of our Nation. I invite all the Armed Forces, the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard, the Departments of Defense and Transportation, the Governors of the several States, the chief officials of local governments, and the people of the United States to observe this day in an appropriate manner.
In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 17th day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eighth.
A proclamation for Military Spouse Day was issued by President Donald Trump on May 12, 2017. It called for the recognition of the “exceptional women and men who have shared their loved ones with our country.”
Military Spouse Appreciation Day is celebrated with special events and tributes that recognize and honor the contributions of U.S. military spouses around the world.
