FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (May 5, 2011) -- May 6 is the Friday before Mother's Day.
If all that means to you is two more shopping days to find Mom that perfect gift, you might want to rethink what this Friday is really about. The day is celebrated as Military Spouse Appreciation Day by millions of Americans across the country.
Since 1984, the armed forces has recognized this special Friday each year as a way to acknowledge the significant contributions of military spouses. And each year we should make every effort to pay tribute to these spouses and thank them for fulfilling a vital role in our nation's defense. After all, it is the spouses of our service members who keep our military families on track.
Think about the role military spouses play each day: they balance family life, military life and their careers -- all while supporting other military families and giving back to their communities.
It takes a very special individual to be a military spouse. Their husbands or wives take an oath and sign a contract when they join the military. Military spouses are enlisted on the day they take their wedding vows.
In choosing a service member as a mate, they are choosing a way of life. They willingly pack up and relocate countless times. They help their children adjust to new schools, new communities and a different way of life. They willingly make sacrifices that some of us never imagined.
They do these things and more because of their unfailing support of their military husband or wife and the mission of the United States military.
So if you know or see a military spouse, make sure you tell him or her on Friday, "Thank you for serving, too!"
To every military spouse here at Fort Meade and in the greater Baltimore/Washington area, I salute your strength, patriotism, devotion, commitment and support.
Thank you for being you. Thank you for serving our nation.
Friday's salute belongs to you!
Social Sharing