[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

[[Page 4629]]

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