Military Spouse Appreciation Day

Being a military spouse is pretty special. We get to love and stand beside a real life hero, every single day. Watching them continually put on that uniform and going out into the world to defend us all is powerful stuff. It’s also really hard sometimes. Military spouses have often been called the silent or hidden heroes and for good reason.

A military spouse has a role in serving this country with responsibilities right along their service member. While they are completing their missions, the spouse stays behind to complete theirs. This means maintaining the home front, solo parenting when there are children involved, working, and trying to take care of yourself all at the same time. Thankfully, leadership understands this and has devoted the last few years to providing resources for military spouses to support them. They’ve never been more appreciated.

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan dedicated a day in May to military spouses. In 1999, the Friday before Mother’s Day became the official Military Spouse Appreciation Day. May was also dedicated in that same year as National Military Appreciation Month. Since then, each president has typically put out an official message thanking spouses for their service and has also issued an official proclamation about it.

The 2020 Military Spouse Appreciation Day is going to be different, but that’s okay. With the COVID-19 pandemic currently causing worldwide quarantines, just about all scheduled in person events have been canceled. But don’t let this deter you from enjoying this special day. There are still many ways to celebrate you and all the other military spouses in your life.

Check out your local base

Although the social distancing restrictions are in place, many bases are still finding ways to celebrate. Many are doing drive through gift bags, filled with special surprises for military spouses. Look to see what your base is doing, if they haven’t yet coordinated a safe work around, offer to help support the efforts. This will get you out of the house and doing something really special for others.

Virtual events are in

Many organizations and bases are coordinating virtual events to celebrate military spouses. Do a quick search for your area to see what is planned for that day. If there aren’t any options, organize an event yourself. Here are some ideas:

• Many movies set to open in theaters are now doing steam releases. A zoom movie night can be a lot of fun! Enjoy snacks and fellowship over a new movie, in your PJs of course!
• Set up a night of pampering for you and your MilSpouse friends over a video call. Paint your nails, vent, and enjoy.
• Organize a video call to plan out your sports fantasy leagues over snacks and adult beverages
• Organize a virtual brunch or cocktail hour. While it’s not the same as doing it in person, it’s still special. Plus, you get to do it in comfy clothes.

Remember those with deployed spouses

While all military spouses are to be celebrated, we need to be sure to pay special attention to those with a deployed service member. Here are some ideas for lifting them up and celebrating them on this day:

• Get crafty and make them something special letting them know you are thinking of them.
• Create a special gift basket filled with thoughtful items to make them smile.
• Offer to watch their children, if they have them, so they can take some self-care time. This gift is absolutely priceless.
• Do you like to cook or bake? Surprise them with a homemade dinner or sweet treat! If you aren’t the best in the kitchen, find a restaurant that delivers and order out. You’ll be not only gifting the spouse, but you’ll be supporting your local restaurants that have been hard hit by the pandemic. It’s a win for everyone.

In the end, the biggest and most important thing you can do to celebrate a military spouse is to see them and their service. While they don’t put on a uniform, they willingly sacrifice many things to support this country. On this day, celebrate all of the military spouses both past and present by remembering them and the vital role they play. At Caliber Home Loans we do our part to honor and recognize military spouses on Military Spouse Appreciation day and every other day of the year too!