Military Spouses Honored at White House

Press Release : May 9, 2008
President George W. Bush - The White House

"Being left behind when a loved one goes to war has got to be one of the hardest jobs in the United States military...You're carrying out the burdens—you're serving our country. And it's noble service. And it's necessary service. And the United States [of] America owes you a huge debt of gratitude. And so, on behalf of our people, thank you for what you're doing."

The following are excerpts from the President's speech commemorating Military Spouse Day....

THE PRESIDENT: We're honoring six recipients of the President's Volunteer Service Awards. And as we do so, we celebrate the contributions and achievements of our military spouses all across the country. (White House photo by Chris Greenberg)

So here's why this event is happening. Twenty-four years ago, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation recognizing Military Spouses Day. And my own judgment is, is that we need to recognize military spouses every day. (Applause.) But this is the time of year that we honor the wives and husbands who support our men and women in uniform. And today, it's my honor to welcome you here to the White House...when you married your soldier, sailor, airman, Marine, or Coast Guardsman, you became more than just part of a family—you became part of our nation's military family.

It's not an easy life being in the military, particularly when we're at war, and I understand that. Being left behind when a loved one goes to war has got to be one of the hardest jobs in the United States military. Talked to a lot of folks who have been in the theater, as well as spouses, and it is clear to me the harder job in many ways is to be the person at home taking care of the kids and having sleepless nights as you pray for safe return.

You're carrying out the burdens—you're serving our country. And it's noble service. And it's necessary service. And the United States [of] America owes you a huge debt of gratitude. And so, on behalf of our people, thank you for what you're doing. (Applause.)

The six individuals we honor here today have earned the respect of our nation. They represent thousands of other military spouses who make significant contributions to our country. So we honor six, but we say thanks to millions.

Our country appreciates the service and devotion. Our country owes you something else in return. One way we can repay the service of our spouses is by making the burdens of military life a little easier. So this year I signed into law a change in the Family and Medical Leave Act, which allows a spouse, parent, child, or next of kin to take up to 26 work-weeks of leave to care for a service member with a serious injury or illness who is undergoing therapy or treatment. I hope that helps. (Applause.) When we find substandard housing, we'll take care of it. We want to make sure that the sacrifice you're making is one that at least you understand that the government appreciates what you're doing.

Thanks for coming to the White House. May God bless you, your families, your loved ones, and the United States of America. (Applause.)