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Military Spouse Day May 7

May- 6-2004 » Filed Under: General Military

Many of you should take a bow tomorrow.

[Link to Full Article]
By Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2004 — U.S. military installations worldwide will host a wide range of activities — from receptions to workshops to "pampering parties" -- in observance of Military Spouse Day, May 7.

Military Spouse Day was first celebrated in 1984 when then-President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the observance to honor the contributions of military spouses. The military now sets aside the Friday before Mother's Day each year to pay tribute to the spouses who play a vital role in the nation's defense.

But Defense Department leaders say recognizing Military Spouse Day is particularly important this year, when thousands of spouses tend the homefront while their service members are deployed in support of the war on terror.

"Military Spouse Day is just one day of the year in which we stop to recognize the immeasurable contribution our spouses make to the true readiness of the force," said John Molino, deputy undersecretary of defense for military community and family policy.

"We are constantly aware that the stability of the military family and our military communities is attributable, in large part, to the self-sacrifice and dedication of our military spouses," Molino said. "As they strive daily to keep the homefront strong, these capable and committed spouses are a vital part of winning the global war on terrorism."

Vice Adm. Gerry Hoewing, chief of Naval Personnel, called military spouses "the heroes behind the scenes," who he said often find themselves "forgoing personal and professional aspirations, enduring long periods of separation, and willingly moving to foreign countries to become front-line American ambassadors.

"They demonstrate daily an unwavering loyalty to both family and nation and deserve our heartfelt thanks," Hoewing continued. "I shudder to think where our Navy would be without their support."


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