Military Spouse Appreciation Day has been around since 1984, when President Ronald Reagan called for the recognition of the men and women who stand behind and support the members of our Armed Forces as they serve our country. Each year, the President makes an official proclamation for that year. You can read the 2013 proclamation here.
As a proud military spouse, I will honestly say that I don't need a day to celebrate or honor the life I have chosen and the sacrifices that accompany it. I did choose this life, and would choose it over and over again. In a heartbeat. The sentiment of the day is valid though, don't get me wrong. Spouses do sacrifice, that is a fact. We choose to sacrifice, and we know it. The idea of our sacrifices being recognized even in a small way even though we don't wear a uniform is a good one.
I think that the best way to honor military spouses--on any day, not just the Friday preceding Mother's Day--is to recognize that the challenges they face are still valid challenges, even though they stem from a lifestyle choice. The frustrations, fears and struggles that military spouses encounter are no less worthy of other's thoughts, prayers and words of encouragement just because an individual made a choice to be with a serviceman. Instead of dismissing the plight of the military spouse with "you knew what you were getting into when you married him/her..." (trust me, that part is already very well known), the best way to honor a military spouse is to support them just as you would want to be supported.
To all my fellow military spouses: Happy Military Spouse Day. Here's to you, as you stand behind your serviceman and keep the home fires burning (whether home is 6 or 6,000 miles away for your spouse). For those of us who currently fall closer to the 6,000 mile mark on the spectrum; don't forget--The longer the wait, the sweeter the kiss.
Shaner returns home from deployment 2008.
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