When is Military Spouse Appreciation Day in 2016?

The date of Military Spouse Appreciation Day in 2016 is on Friday, May 6th. 

What is Military Spouse Appreciation Day?

Military Spouse Appreciation Day falls on the Friday before Mother’s Day each year. This day is set aside to appreciate and celebrate the service and sacrifice of men and women who are married to members of the Armed Forces. Without the commitment and contributions of these spouses, military personnel would not have the support they need before, during, and after deployment.

Military spouses arrange their lives around the needs and requirements of the military, give up months or years of time with their loved ones, and even face the loss of their deployed husband or wife in service to their country. In recognition of these sacrifices, President Ronald Reagan and Secretary of Defense Weinberger founded the day in 1984.

The President of the United States marks this occasion each year with a proclamation and a speech to honor military spouses. Educational events, job fairs, and celebratory lunches or dinners are common events. Individuals can make a difference on this day by offering help and support to military spouses in their local communities.