SINCE 1984, THE ARMED FORCES HAVE SET ASIDE A SPECIAL DAY TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS OF OUR HEROES. AT THIS YEAR, FRIDAY, 09 MAY 2008, HAS BEEN DESIGNATED MILITARY SPOUSE APPRECIATION DAY.
THE LIFE OF A MILITARY FAMILY IS ONE OF UNIQUE CHALLENGES. DURING THIS PERIOD OF HIGH OPERATIONAL TEMPO, MARINE CORPS SPOUSES CONTINUE TO MEET THESE DAILY CHALLENGES WITH GRACE AND STRENGTH. THEIR SUPPORT AND DEDICATION ALLOW MARINES TO FOCUS ON AND MAINTAIN MISSION READINESS.
AS WE CELEBRATE MILITARY SPOUSE APPRECIATION DAY, ANNETTE AND I CONGRATULATE ALL MARINE CORPS SPOUSES, AND EXPRESS HEARTFELT APPRECIATION FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT TO THEIR MARINES, THEIR FAMILIES, AND THEIR COMMUNITIES. WE ALSO ENCOURAGE ALL MARINES TO TAKE THE TIME TO THANK OUR MARINE CORPS SPOUSES FOR A JOB WELL DONE.
SEMPER FIDELIS,
JAMES T.CONWAY,
GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS,
COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS
Military Spouse Day, 2008
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Military spouses embody the courage, nobility of duty, and love of country that inspire every American. On Military Spouse Day, we pay tribute to the husbands and wives who support their spouses in America’s Armed Forces during times of war and peace.
The legacy of military spouses began when colonial Americans were fighting for independence. Martha Washington boosted the morale of her husband’s troops by visiting battlefields and tending to the wounded. Since then, members of our Armed Forces have served our Nation accompanied by the steadfast love and support of their spouses and families.
While our men and women in uniform are protecting our country’s founding ideals of liberty, democracy, and justice, their spouses live with uncommon challenges, endure sleepless nights, and spend long periods raising children alone. Many military spouses are also committed volunteers, serving other military families and local communities. Our Nation benefits from the sacrifices of our military families, and we are inspired by their courage, strength, and leadership.
On Military Spouse Day and throughout the year, we honor the commitment spouses have made to freedom’s cause. To learn about ways to support our troops and their spouses and families, I encourage all Americans to visit AmericaSupportsYou.mil [this site is no longer available].
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 9, 2008, as Military Spouse Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities and by expressing their gratitude to the husbands and wives of those serving in the United States Armed Forces.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.
GEORGE W. BUSH
