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2013 Military Spouse Appreciation Day: "Military Spouses: The Heart and Strength of Army Families"

Thursday May 9, 2013

What is it?

On May 10, 2013, Army leaders will express their gratitude to Army spouses for their support of Soldiers. Observed since 1984, Congress officially made Military Spouse Appreciation Day part of National Military Appreciation Month in 1999. This year’s theme is Military Spouses: The Heart and Strength of Army Families which captures the essence of the military spouse and reinforces the message that spouses are vital to the strength, resilience and readiness of the Army.

What has the Army done?

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation officially recognizing Military Spouse Appreciation Day. The Department of Defense has since standardized the date by declaring the Friday before Mother’s Day every year as Military Spouse Appreciation Day to show appreciation for the sacrifices of military spouses.

In celebration of Military Spouse Appreciation Day, garrisons Army-wide will hold a variety of enriching programs and special events to inform, honor and recognize military spouses. Events ranging from spouse appreciation luncheons to educational workshops to spouse employment fairs will take place to pay tribute to military spouses.

Why is this important to the Army?

The Army recognizes the important role Army spouses’ play in today’s Army. After almost a decade at war and multiple deployments, military spouses continue to support America’s Army unconditionally while pursuing careers and serving in multiple roles as community leaders, mothers, fathers, and Soldiers. Through mission, deployment, reintegration and reset, military spouses are the backbone of the families who support our Soldiers. They are the silent heroes who are essential to the strength of the nation.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?

The Army will continue to provide families a strong, supportive environment. The Army is committed to improving family readiness through funding of programs, better health care, housing, schools, youth services, child care, education and employment opportunities, and we will continue to build upon and improve the tenets of the Army Family Covenant. We salute military spouses; Army Families equal Army Strong!

Resources

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