"Those also serve, who only stand and wait." Except they don't just stand and wait!
On 12 May 2006, Military Spouse Day, we pay special tribute to our Army spouses and honor their magnificent commitment to our soldiers and the Army. Without their patriotism, sacrifices, and support, we could not sustain this high-quality army, an army that is the best it has ever been. Although we enlist soldiers, we retain families, and the army spouse’s support is a critical factor in a soldier’s decision to reenlist. We recognize that the army spouse’s answer to his or her own call to duty has been instrumental in sustaining all components of our Army—Active, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve.It's not just Army. More here.
- The Honorable Francis J. Harvey, Secretary of the Army; General Peter J. Schoomaker, Chief of Staff and Sergeant major Kenneth O. Preston, Sergeant Major of the Army
As much as we focus on the daily strain of deployment for a warfighter, the homefront experiences those strains, too. They must handle the family regular responsiblities minus one important pillar, and navigate the emotional seas of a family with an absent leader. Many a warfighter has told me, "I almost think I had the easy job; being in a new environment and busy with regular activity that had nothing to do with family, it was usually easier to distract myself from the worry and longing. I think those at home had the tougher job."
My hat's off today to the military spouses it has been my privilege to know in person and in writing. Tough, smart, gentle, beautiful of spirit, creative and tenacious, you are remembered and appreciated not just today, but every day.
Army Wife Toddler Mom
Carren
Cassandra
Homefront Six
Mrs. Greyahwk
Other Blogging Military Spouses
