Military Spouse Appreciation Day honors sacrifices Published May 7, 2010 By Meredith March 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- This weekend, members of military families have the opportunity to celebrate their spouses, in addition to honoring their mothers. Today is Military Spouses Appreciation Day, which was established by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 as a day set aside to recognize the many contributions and sacrifices military spouses make in support of military members and our country. When President Reagan established Military Spouse Appreciation Day, he designated it to be the Friday before Mother's Day of each year. In addition to the support they offer their own families, and by extension, the United States armed forces, military spouses are continually making positive contributions to their communities, President Reagan said in his Military Spouse Appreciation Day proclamation. "As volunteers, military spouses have provided exemplary service and leadership in educational, community, recreational, religious, social and cultural endeavors," he said. "And as parents and homemakers, they preserve the cornerstone of our Nation's strength -- the American family." Col. Charles F. Thompson, 66th Air Base Wing commander, also thinks it is important to recognize the contributions of military spouses. "This year, as we celebrate the Year of the Air Force Family, we have the opportunity to reflect upon the positive impact we make and the missions we have accomplished -- as individuals and as an Air Force team -- because of the support we receive from our families," he said. "Much of our strength comes from the support and sacrifices of our spouses. I encourage the Hanscom community to take this opportunity to reflect upon the contributions made by military spouses, past and present, and to show appreciation for their many contributions."