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Light the torches and prepare the fanfare because on May 10, we honor the unsung heroes behind our nation's defenders on National Military Spouse Appreciation Day! First officially recognized in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan, this day recognizes the immense sacrifices and strength of military spouses. These brave individuals often face unique challenges, from managing family life alone during deployments to frequent moves and career disruptions. Each year, we take the time to acknowledge and appreciate the support and resilience they provide to our military personnel. Our theme for today is gratitude and love. Enjoy celebrating!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1984</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of the Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation officially recognizing National Military Spouse Appreciation day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1999</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Stricter Policies Introduced</div><div class='timeline-text'>The US government introduced stricter policies on overseas deployment, leading to longer separations between military personnel and their spouses.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>War on Terror Effects</div><div class='timeline-text'>The war on terror significantly increased deployments, highlighting the critical role and resilience of military spouses.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Joining Forces Initiative</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Joining Forces initiative was launched by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden to support service members, veterans, and their families.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>MSEP Program Expansion</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Military Spouse Employment Partnership program exceeded 300 partner employers, aiming to reduce military spouse unemployment.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Virtual Appreciation Efforts</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, appreciation efforts shifted online, leading to innovative virtual acknowledgments of military spouses' dedication and sacrifice.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Send a heartfelt letter</h3><p class='facts-text'>A personal and heartfelt letter can go a long way. Write about your appreciation for their strength, sacrifices, and the love they show despite the difficulties. Make it special with a beautiful card or fancy paper.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Surprise them with a day off </h3><p class='facts-text'>Co-ordinate with family or friends to give them a surprise day off. Manage their responsibilities for that day, be it children, cooking, or other chores, and let them relax and enjoy themselves.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Create a tribute video</h3><p class='facts-text'>Collect video messages from family and friends expressing their appreciation and love. Stitch them together and surprise your military spouse with this heartfelt tribute video - they will cherish it forever!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host an appreciation event</h3><p class='facts-text'>Host an event at your home or community center especially for military spouses. Arrange for some games, food, and music. This will not only celebrate the individual but express gratitude to the entire community.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Gift a spa treatment or a hobby related item</h3><p class='facts-text'>Treat them with a day at a spa. If they have a certain hobby, like gardening, painting, or baking, consider gifting them something related to that hobby. The purpose is to make them feel special and appreciated!</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>We Celebrate Their Incredible Strength</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>These warrior spouses demonstrate remarkable strength and resilience as they manage family life alone during deployments, frequent moves, and career interruptions. National Military Spouse Appreciation Day provides an opportunity to highlight and celebrate their spirit which keeps our military families strong.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>We Appreciate Their Sacrifices</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The sacrifices made by military spouses often go unnoticed. They bear the emotional stress of being away from their loved ones and the responsibility of running a household single-handedly. This day enables us to acknowledge and thank them for their incredible sacrifices.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>We Honor Their Unwavering Support</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Military spouses are the backbone of the families that support our troops. Their enduring love and support is vital for the morale and strength of our military personnel. In celebrating this day, we express our gratitude for the essential role these spouses play in keeping our military strong.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Military Spouses Have a High Unemployment Rate</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite their excellent skills and qualifications, unemployment is a significant challenge for military spouses mostly due to frequent relocations. The rate is often substantially higher than that of the general population.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Military Spouse Appreciation Day is also known as Military Spouse Day </h3><p class='facts-content'>Some people refer to this day as Military Spouse Day, but it officially remains as National Military Spouse Appreciation Day.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Many Military Spouses are also Veterans</h3><p class='facts-content'>A remarkable number of military spouses are also veterans themselves, having served their country before settling into the role of support for their active-duty partners.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Military Spouses have their own Medal </h3><p class='facts-content'>The Department of Defense has a decoration known as the Medal for the Military Spouse, acknowledging the sacrifices and commitment of military spouses.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Elizabeth Dole Foundation advocates for military spouses </h3><p class='facts-content'>The foundation, named after the wife of former senator Bob Dole, a World War II veteran, raises awareness and offers support for military caregivers, including spouses.</p></div></div>
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