Military Spouse Appreciation Day, 2010

___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8515 of May 6, 2010

Military Spouse Appreciation Day, 2010

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

When Americans answer the call to serve in our Armed
Forces, a sacred trust is forged. Our men and women in
uniform take on the duty of protecting us all, and
their spouses and families also help shoulder this
important responsibility. As we mark Military Spouse
Appreciation Day, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment
to supporting and honoring the husbands, wives, and
loved ones of our Nation's servicemembers.

At the heart of our Armed Forces, servicemembers'
spouses keep our military families on track. They
balance family life, military life, and their careers--
all while supporting other military families and giving
back to their communities. Many have served in uniform
themselves and, understanding the obligations involved,
can provide unparalleled support. They are pillars of
strength in their families, often celebrating their
children's life milestones while the other parent is
away.

Military spouses also care for our wounded warriors and
honor the memory of our Nation's fallen heroes,
including their own loved ones. They impact countless
lives on military bases and in schools, places of
worship, and neighborhoods across our Nation. Their
contributions help protect our freedom by strengthening
our communities and our servicemembers.

My Administration is committed to improving
opportunities and quality of life for these brave
spouses and families who know the separation and stress
of war. We are increasing servicemembers' compensation
as well as funding for better housing, job training,
counseling, outreach, and support for spouses and their
families. We are also expanding our ground forces to
reduce the strain of repeated deployments, and to give
servicemembers more time with their loved ones.

There are many ways for each of us to show our
appreciation for military spouses. Working through
community-based organizations, workplaces, schools, and
places of worship, we can help them support their
families, establish or build a career, and address the
unique challenges they face.

I am inspired every day by our men and women in uniform
and their families. They are America's greatest
military asset, and my Administration is committed to
fulfilling our obligations to them. Today, let us honor
the spouses and families who support our servicemembers
and, in doing so, help defend our Nation and preserve
our liberty.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim May 7, 2010, as
Military Spouse Appreciation Day. I call upon the
people of the United States to honor military spouses
with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
sixth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand
ten, and of the Independence of the United States of
America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.