Military Spouse Appreciation Day

To all the soldiers out there, get ready to do something nice for Household 6 tomorrow because it is National Military Spouse Appreciation Day. You may have had a long day, week or deployment but take some time to do something nice for the girl or guy that has a never-ending deployment at home.The Friday before Mother’s Day, every year, has been declared Military Spouse Appreciation Day. A day when the entire nation should stop, acknowledge and thank those that make significant contributions, support and sacrifices to our Armed Forces. These patriots deserve the recognition for all they do.[caption id="attachment_11593" align="aligncenter" width="300"]

National Military Spouse Appreciation Day[/caption]Origins of the DayMay 23, 1984, was declared the first Military Spouse Day with Proclamation 5184, dated April 17, 1984, as President Ronald Reagan recognized the profound importance of spouse commitment to the readiness and well-being of military members. Caspar Weinberger, US Secretary of Defense, standardized the date by declaring the Friday preceding Mother’s Day as Military Spouse Day. Each year, the United States President regularly commemorates this day with a formal speech and proclamation.

Each year the President usually marks the day with ceremonial speech and proclamation. In 2015 President Barack Obama opened his proclamation with these strong words about the important role military spouses have;"The strength of our Nation's military comes not just from the brave women and men who defend the values we cherish, but also from their families, who serve alongside them and make great sacrifices in service to our country. With determination and unshakable resolve, military spouses endure long absences and shoulder the burdens of war, constantly wondering what kind of dangers lie ahead for their loved ones. Through numerous moves and difficult deployments -- often as they uproot their lives and families and restart their careers -- their steadfast devotion to their spouses and to our Nation represents the best our country has to offer. On Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we recognize the selfless heroes who stand with the finest fighting force the world has ever known, and we honor their relentless courage and commitment."[caption id="attachment_11594" align="aligncenter" width="225"]

National Military Spouse Appreciation Day[/caption]Ideas on how to make them feel specialHow does one celebrate this amazing day? There is any number of things that could be done to show appreciation for these family lynchpins.

• Keep it simple and go with #NationalMilitarySpouseAppreciationDay on your social media
• Make a donation of time or money to an organization that supports military families, like TAPS
• A day away from chores is always appreciated
• Send her or him off for some down time, alone, to do whatever they please
• Drinks, day or night, are always a hit
• Attend the 2017 Allstate Military Spouse Townhall
• Nominate her/him for the 2018 Military Spouse of the Year

Now you have a day’s notice. It will be here tomorrow. Take some time to make the person that often does a thankless job feel special. For their mission is not one to be done out of commitment, duty or honor. It is out of love that they make their sacrifice and do what needs to be done.