May 8 - National Military Spouse Appreciation Day

Happy National Military Spouse Appreciation Day! Always the Friday before Mother’s Day, this day recognizes the significant contributions, support, and sacrifices of any and all of the spouses of the U.S. Armed Forces.  

  

National Military Spouse Appreciation Day is also sometimes known as Military Spouse Day. 

  

Along with the tremendous strength and patriotism they have, military spouses endure frequent change and unexpected developments in their lives. They prepare for many unknowns during military life, often unable to make a plan for more than a few days in advance.  

The hold down the home front during deployments, training, and many other circumstances while their husband or wife serve their country.  

Depending on the length of service, they may move many times and often all over the world. Military spouses also spend many months apart during stressful deployments with limited communication or for training.  

However, they bear these responsibilities by caring for and relying on family. With every move, they find a new job, help their children adjust to new schools and friends.  

They learn about a new community and its culture. During separations, they celebrate holidays at unusual times or host long-distance birthday parties. By supporting our service members and ensuring a sound home, our military is stronger and more prepared. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Thank a military spouse. Recognize the burdens they carry and support them throughout the year. You may not understand their struggles, but you can offer a friendly ear or helpful hand when they move to your city.  

Use #MilitarySpouseAppreciationDay to post on social media. 

HISTORY 

On May 23, 1984, 40th U.S. President Ronald Reagan declared the first Military Spouse Day with Proclamation 5184, dated April 17, 1984. He recognized the profound importance of spouse commitment to the readiness and well-being of military members.  

American politician, businessman and former U.S. Secretary of Defense Caspar Willard "Cap" Weinberger standardized the date by declaring the Friday preceding Mother’s Day as Military Spouse Day.   

Each year, the President of the United States regularly commemorates this day with a formal speech and proclamation. 

How can you thank or acknowledge a military spouse today? 

#MilitarySpouseAppreciationDay 

@USarmy 

@marines 

@USNavy 

@USairforce 

@UScoastguard 

@nichecinema 

DATES 

May 07, 2021 
May 06, 2022 
May 12, 2023 
May 10, 2024 
May 09, 2025 
May 08, 2026 
May 07, 2027 
May 12, 2028 
May 11, 2029 
May 10, 2030