[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9275 of May 7, 2015

Military Spouse Appreciation Day, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The strength of our Nation's military comes not just from the brave
women and men who defend the values we cherish, but also from their
families, who serve alongside them and make great sacrifices in service
to our country. With determination and unshakable resolve, military
spouses endure long absences and shoulder the burdens of war, constantly
wondering what kind of dangers lie ahead for their loved ones. Through
numerous moves and difficult deployments--often as they uproot their
lives and families and restart their careers--their steadfast devotion
to their spouses and to our Nation represents the best our country has
to offer. On Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we recognize the selfless
heroes who stand with the finest fighting force the world has ever
known, and we honor their relentless courage and commitment.
To fulfill our sacred promise to our service members and their loved
ones, my Administration has made supporting our military families a top
priority. We are working to make consistent and effective family
services available, including mental health care and counseling,
deployment and relocation assistance, and child care and youth programs.
Through programs like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, we are investing in the
education and skills of our military families, and with my Executive
authority, I have taken action to protect those who have earned these
benefits from abuse by fraudulent actors and unscrupulous practices,
ensuring they have the proper information and support they need to make
informed decisions about their education.

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The wives, husbands, and partners of our service members bring
adaptability, creativity, resilience, and leadership--skills they
demonstrate every day--to the workforce, and it is unacceptable when any
military spouse struggles to find work and support their family. That is
why we launched the Military Spouse Employment Partnership, an online
resource to connect military spouses with meaningful career
opportunities and companies that are eager to hire them. And we are
reminding businesses across our country that if they want the job done
right, they should hire a military spouse.
Four years ago, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden
launched the Joining Forces initiative, calling on Americans across
our country to rally around service members, veterans, and their
spouses. By raising awareness about the unique aspects of military
life, they are helping ensure military spouses have all the
opportunities
and benefits they deserve. To learn more and get involved, visit
www.JoiningForces.gov.
Military spouses serve alongside our troops through trial and triumph,
and in their example, we see the bravery and pride that reflect who we
are as a Nation. These homefront heroes deserve respect and support
worthy of their sacrifice and grace--every day, they should know their
country supports them, is there for them, and is grateful for all they
do on our behalf.
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 8, 2015, 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 seventh day of May,
in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.
BARACK OBAMA