    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 9119--MAY 8, 2014

    Proclamation 9119 of May 8, 2014

    Military Spouse Appreciation Day, 2014

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    Our military spouses embody ideals we cherish: strength, loyalty, and
    commitment. They stand beside those who stand behind our flag, giving
    their all and making tremendous sacrifices. They shoulder the burdens of
    countless moves and stressful deployments, and they uphold their end of
    the bargain. On Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we celebrate the force
    behind the force and show these homefront heroes the full support of a
    grateful Nation.
    My Administration is working to fulfill our sacred obligation to our
    veterans, service members, their spouses, and their families. We are
    helping military families avoid foreclosure and predatory lending, and
    we are investing in their education. We are easing burdens by supporting
    childcare and assisting with career training. And because our men and
    women in uniform and their spouses are partners not only in love, but
    also in law, we are doing everything we can to ensure all married
    couples receive the benefits they deserve--regardless of their sexual
    orientation.
    Through the Joining Forces initiative, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr.
    Jill Biden are expanding employment opportunities for veterans,
    transitioning service members, and their spouses while advocating for
    new legislation to bolster professional development services. And they
    are forging stronger connections between military and civilian families
    and engaging us all in the push to give military families the
    opportunities, resources, and support they have earned--not only today,
    but
    every day. To learn more and get involved, visit www.JoiningForces.gov.
    As service members board planes for deployments to foreign lands, they
    need to know their country will be there for their loved ones. As
    mothers and fathers take on the work of two, they need to know their
    neighbors will lend a hand. And if called to make the ultimate
    sacrifice, troops must know their Nation will honor their memory and
    care for their family. After everything military spouses have done for
    America, for one another, for our wounded warriors and the families of
    the fallen, we must stand beside them. We must make good on our debt of
    gratitude. May each of us serve our military spouses and their families
    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 9, 2014, 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 eighth day of May,
    in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence
    of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.
    BARACK OBAMA