Obama proclaims Military Spouse Day - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Obama proclaims Military Spouse Day

Military spouses, it’s your day, all day.

“I call upon the people of the United States to honor military spouses with appropriate ceremonies and activities,” stated President Obama, in proclaiming May 6 as Military Spouse Appreciation Day. He signed the proclamation Thursday.

The day was first proclaimed in 1984 by President Reagan, and is traditionally set for the Friday before Mother’s Day.

“Across America and around the world, military spouses serve our country in their own special way, helping families and friends through the stress of a deployment, caring for our wounded warriors, and supporting each other when a loved one has made the ultimate sacrifice,” Obama wrote.

Troops and their spouses seldom ask for support or recognition, and carry out their duties with “the quiet courage and strength that has always exemplified the American spirit,” the president wrote.

First Lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, wife of the vice president, have launched a national initiative called Joining Forces, which encourages all Americans to give service members and their families opportunities and support in any way they can. The two have been traveling around the country highlighting some of the efforts to support military families.

President Obama announced an initiative earlier this year marshaling resources from all federal agencies to support service members and families, ranging from employment opportunities to helping children dealing with deployments and transitions from one military base to another.