[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 127, 113th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8976--MAY 9, 2013

Proclamation 8976 of May 9, 2013

Military Spouse Appreciation Day, 2013
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
As long as there have been courageous men and women willing to protect
our Union and our ideals, there have been extraordinary spouses at their
side--patriots in their own right who serve and sacrifice in ways many
cannot fathom. They are moms and dads who take up the work of two during
deployments, shuffling their careers and packing up their lives whenever
our Nation calls. They are dedicated employees at our businesses,
committed volunteers in our communities, and essential caretakers for
our wounded warriors. America's military spouses are at the core of our
Armed Forces, and on Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we celebrate
their contributions to keeping our country safe.
Just as we are bound by a sacred obligation to care for our men and
women in uniform, we are equally responsible for making sure their loved
ones get the support they deserve. My Administration has taken steps to
uphold that special trust, from investing in childcare and education for
military families to providing mortgage assistance for military
homeowners. Through First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's
Joining Forces initiative, we have partnered with the private sector to
expand hiring for military spouses and veterans.
We have also called on States to streamline credentialing and licensing
procedures that hinder too many military spouses when they move from
duty station to duty station. Military spouses with professional
experience should not have to wait for work, and our businesses should
not have to go without their skills. By simplifying the certification
process, we can help ensure the financial stability of our military
families, strengthen our Armed Forces, and spur growth throughout our
economy. To learn more and get involved, visit www.JoiningForces.gov.
In the past few years, we have seen every part of our society come
together and make a real commitment to supporting our military
families--not just with words, but with deeds. Yet, we must do more to
honor the profound debt of gratitude we owe our military spouses. Their
strength and resolve reflects the best of the American spirit, and on
this occasion, let us pledge once more to serve them as well as they
serve us.
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 10, 2013, as
Military Spouse Appreciation Day. I call upon the people of the United
States to honor military spouses with appropriate ceremonies and
activities.



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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of May,
in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.
BARACK OBAMA