    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8515--MAY 6, 2010

    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

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    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.
    BARACK OBAMA