Happy Military Spouse Appreciation Day

Miltiary Spouse Appreciation Day..

by Arlene H. Hull

Special to the Tester

'If the military had wanted you to have a spouse, they would have issued one."

Remember those words? Well, that was then and this is now. Americas
military has realized and acknowledged the signifiacance of the military spouse. In 1984 President Reagan proclaimedthe Friday before Mothers Day of each year to be Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Its your day to stand up and be honered.

For the times you've stood and watched a ship sail from the harbor, an aircraft disappear in the the clouds, or a truck convoy pull out of sight, not sure when they would return, we thank you.

For the countless household moves you've made from a place you know to one that's strange and different-often by yourself-we thank you.

For the families you've held together, for the anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays you've celebrated alone, we thank you.

For the hand you've extended to another military spouse when the needwas there, truly creating a military family, we thank you.

For the spirit and strengh you've shown when your service member has gone into harms way, we thank you.

For the pride you've displayed while serving as an ambassador of the military spouse to the rest of the world, we thank you.

Far to frequently, the sacrifices and dedication of the military spouse have gone unnoticed and unappreciated. In our nation's recent history, thousands of service members have been placed in harm's way as they stood watch as freedoms guardian. You too have stood watch at home, facing challenges alone. You