[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8375--MAY 8, 2009

Proclamation 8375 of May 8, 2009
Military Spouse Day, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Military spouses share the sacrifices of service with our Nation's men
and women in uniform. As members of the Armed Forces serve in the United
States and across the world, military spouses also serve our Nation.
When a servicemember goes to war, we know their spouse also shares in
that sacrifice. I am inspired by their commitment to family and our
Nation, and on Military Spouse Day, we honor these individuals for their
contributions.
Wives and husbands of servicemembers display an uncommon courage and
strength as they steadfastly support their spouses during long and
arduous deployments. While they endure separations that are filled with
worry and anxiety, they face unique stresses. Foremost is the concern
about the safety and well-being of deployed loved ones, but there are
many other challenges. From managing household finances to comforting
children impacted by a military parent's absence, military spouses take
on the burdens of maintaining families largely on their own. This task
is complicated even more as spouses work to maintain careers and a sense
of community while moving to new duty stations around the country and
the world.
Despite these hardships, military spouses are an inexhaustible source of
strength for our military families and donate their time generously to
local communities. Military spouses offer the love and encouragement
that help servicemembers endure the challenges of serving our Nation.
Military spouses support one another as friends and mentors. They serve
in family readiness groups to keep fellow spouses informed and to
provide mutual support. They contribute as volunteers to improve
neighborhoods, military installations, and communities. These
contributions strengthen both our Nation's character and its security.
All Americans should express appreciation for military spouses and let
them know they are not alone. To help those who need it, friends, co-
workers, and neighbors can offer to help with the burden of daily tasks

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and thus give military spouses more time for themselves and their
families. To assist spouses who are coping with the absence of a loved
one, individuals can listen and offer their counsel. Americans can also
volunteer through the many organizations that provide assistance to
military families.
Our Nation maintains a sacred trust with every individual who serves. My
Administration is committed to showing our Nation's gratitude for them
by honoring our obligations to their families.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 8, 2009, as Military
Spouse Day. I call upon the people of the United States to honor
military spouses with appropriate ceremonies and activities today and in
the future.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of May,
in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
BARACK OBAMA