May 9th, 2025, is Military Spouse Appreciation Day!

Military Spouse Appreciation Day recognizes and appreciates military spouses. It is always celebrated on the Friday before Mother’s Day. The US President typically commemorates this day with a ceremonial speech and proclamation each year.

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan recognized the importance of military spouses and their commitment to their service members. He declared May 23rd, 1984, the first Military Spouse Day. The Secretary of Defence, Casper Weinberger, declared it the Friday before Mother’s Day.

Presidental Proclamations

“Throughout the years, as the numbers of our married men and women in uniform have grown and as their military missions have become more complex and dispersed, their spouses have made countless personal sacrifices to support the Armed Forces. In many instances, they subordinated their personal and professional aspirations to the greater benefit of the service family. Responding to the call of duty, they frequently endured long periods of separation or left familiar surroundings and friends to re-establish their homes in distant places. And there they became American ambassadors abroad.

As volunteers, military spouses have provided exemplary service and leadership in educational, community, recreational, religious, social and cultural endeavors. And as parents and homemakers, they preserve the cornerstone of our Nation’s strength — the American family.” – A part of President Ronald Reagan’s Proclamation, April 17, 1984.

“Military spouses share the sacrifices of service with our Nation’s men and women in uniform. As members of the Armed Forces serve in the United States and across the world, military spouses also serve our Nation. When a servicemember goes to war, we know their spouse also shares in that sacrifice. I am inspired by their commitment to family and our Nation, and on Military Spouse Day, we honor these individuals for their contributions.” – A part of President Barack Obama’s Proclamation, May 08, 2009.

All About Military Spouses

According to the White House Military Spouse Demographics and Employment Information sheet, there are approximately 1 million military spouses, including 624,000 active duty spouses and 372,000 Selected Reserve/National Guard spouses.

Approximately 50% of active duty spouses are under 30, but the average age of active duty spouses is 31.5.

92% of active duty spouses are female, and 89% of active duty military spouses have some college education or higher.

Active duty military spouses also have a 24% unemployment rate, and 74% have children at home.

Why is Military Spouse Appreciation Day Important?

Military life can sometimes feel like quite a lot. There can be too much deployment, too much change, and too much loneliness. It’s important to recognize that what we do as military spouses matters.

We have the privilege of supporting those who serve our country, from sending them off to war to welcoming them back home. As military spouses and partners, we let them know that someone is in their corner and that they have someone to come home to.

Military life involves many sacrifices, and sometimes, those sacrifices can hit us pretty hard. So, it is important to have a day when the country acknowledges what we go through and experience. When so many service members are married and have a family, support for the military spouse is essential.

I am thankful to have been a part of the military community. We have so many amazing people in it, doing such amazing things.

Happy Military Spouse Appreciation Day! May you feel loved and seen, and know that what you do is all a part of making our country a better place 🙂