Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. Peter Pace today recognized Military Spouse Appreciation Day and praised military spouses for their "quiet strenth and untold support."

"Through long deployments, you sustain our morale with your letters, emails, and the comforting knowledge that your thoughts and prayers are always with us," Pace said in a statement released at the Pentagon. "While we're away, you maintain a sense of stability for our families, providing a constant foundation despite daily challenges and unspoken worries.

"When we get tired, you dust us off, and put us back into the fight," Pace continued. "When we come home and receive recognition, you stand in the background and pretend you had nothing to do with that success. You provide a special source of inspiration, a daily reminder of the values and freedoms we hold so dear.

"You serve this Nation as well as anyone who has ever worn a uniform, and for that we are eternally grateful," he said. "The Joint Chiefs join me in paying tribute to our devoted military spouses. Thank you for all you do to give us strength to drive on when duty calls."