Today is National Military Spouse Appreciation Day. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan declared May 23 as the first Military Spouse Day in Proclamation 5184. Former Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger then standardized the date by declaring the Friday before Mother’s Day as Military Spouse Day.

In 1999, Congress officially made the observance part of National Military Appreciation Month, resulting in an annual Presidential Proclamation for the commemoration now officially known as National Military Spouse Appreciation Day.

If there is no such thing as a former Marine, perhaps there is no such thing as a former Military Spouse! Once a Military Spouse, always a Military Spouse! Along with tremendous strength and patriotism, military spouses typically endure frequent change and unexpected developments in their lives, preparing for many unknowns. They deal with the stresses of moving frequently, living apart for extended periods, and limited communication during deployments.

For President Joseph R. Biden’s 2023 Presidential Proclamation honoring military spouses, click here.