Photo:  USA Freedom Corps photo by M. T. Harmon

President George W. Bush congratulates military spouse Shannon Maxwell of Jacksonville, N.C., as Maxwell is presented with the President’s Volunteer Service Award Friday, May 11, 2007, in the East Room of the White House during a celebration of Military Spouse Day. On April 17, 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation recognizing Military Spouse Day. This observance was established to acknowledge the impact military spouses have on the readiness and well-being of service members, and to honor their volunteer service in educational, social, and community endeavors. In May 1999, Congress passed a resolution designating May as National Military Appreciation Month. During this month, the United States observes Memorial Day, Victory in Europe Day, Armed Forces Week, and Military Spouse Day, which is held annually on the Friday before Mother’s Day.

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