National Military Spouse Appreciation Day, May 7, 2021, is a presidentially approved holiday and  is celebrated annually on the Friday before Mother’s Day. On this day we honor the contributions and sacrifices made by military spouses.

Their commitment and support help to keep our country safe. America’s military spouses are the backbone of the families who support our troops during mission, deployment, reintegration and reset. Military spouses are silent heroes who are essential to the strength of the nation, and they serve our country just like their loved ones.  If you know one, thank them on behalf on a grateful nation.

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan recognized the profound importance of spousal commitment to the readiness and well-being of military members. Congress officially made Military Spouse Appreciation Day part of National Military Appreciation Month in 1999.  Subsequently, the Department of Defense standardized the date by declaring the Friday before Mother’s Day every year as “Military Spouse Appreciation Day” to show appreciation for the sacrifices of military spouses.