Military Spouse Day -- May 9, 2008

I just got this message (below) through my Marine Corps Key Volunteer. I didn't know there was such a thing, but this week it is a bit encouraging to think the President George Bush took a few moments to recognize and honor the spouses' part in the military service. Joshua has been sick again. Tuesday I kept him home from school because he complained of a headache, nausea and had a stuffed up nose. I figured he'd be back in school on Wednesday, but that afternoon he started rubbing his eye and by bed time I realized he had pink eye. Both eyes were red and stuck with discharge in the morning. Fortunately we got an appointment with his doctor and started eye drops and antibiotics by midday. Oh, and while at the check up the doctor discovered that Joshua had an ear infection. Oops! He had complained about his ear Monday night, but said it hurt on the outside. I couldn't see anything on the outside of the ear so chalked it up to sleeping on it funny. So Joshua will be home one more day from school so he doesn't pass this infection on to his friends. This week was pretty slow for me (only had to miss 4 appointments) to stay home with him for three days. Hopefully we'll celebrate Joshua's health by going to California Adventure (the "other" Disney amusement park in Anaheim) on Saturday. A woman in our mobile home park gave us 2 free passes that have to be used this weekend. It should be a fun change of pace after being home most of the week.

Sheryl

- - - - - - -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Military spouses embody the courage, nobility of duty, and love of country that inspire every American. On Military Spouse Day, we pay tribute to the husbands and wives who support their spouses in America's Armed Forces during times of war and peace.

The legacy of military spouses began when colonial Americans were fighting for independence. Martha Washington boosted the morale of her husband's troops by visiting battlefields and tending to the wounded. Since then, members of our Armed Forces have served our Nation accompanied by the steadfast love and support of their spouses and families.

While our men and women in uniform are protecting our country's founding ideals of liberty, democracy, and justice, their spouses live with uncommon challenges, endure sleepless nights, and spend long periods raising children
alone. Many military spouses are also committed volunteers, serving other military families and local communities. Our Nation benefits from the sacrifices of our military families, and we are inspired by their courage, strength, and leadership.

On Military Spouse Day and throughout the year, we honor the commitment spouses have made to freedom's cause. To learn about ways to support our troops and their spouses and families, I encourage all Americans to visit www.americasupportsyou.mil.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 9, 2008, as Military Spouse Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities and by expressing their gratitude to the husbands and wives of those serving in the United States Armed Forces.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

GEORGE W. BUSH