Military communities celebrating Military Spouse Day Published May 6, 2004 By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- U.S. military installations worldwide will hold a wide range of activities, from receptions to workshops to "pampering parties," in observance of Military Spouse Day on May 7.Military Spouse Day was first celebrated in 1984 when then-President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the observance to honor the contributions of military spouses. The military now sets aside the Friday before Mother's Day each year to pay tribute to the spouses who play a vital role in the nation's defense.Defense Department leaders said recognizing Military Spouse Day is particularly important this year, when thousands of spouses tend the homefront while their husbands or wives are deployed supporting the war on terror."Military Spouse Day is just one day of the year in which we stop to recognize the immeasurable contribution our spouses make to the true readiness of the force," said John Molino, deputy undersecretary of defense for military community and family policy."We are constantly aware that the stability of the military family and our military communities is attributable, in large part, to the self-sacrifice and dedication of our military spouses," Mr. Molino said. "As they strive daily to keep the homefront strong, these capable and committed spouses are a vital part of winning the global war on terrorism."Lt. Gen. Richard E. Brown III, the Air Force's deputy chief of staff for personnel, called military spouses "a vital link to the success of our military" and praised military spouses for their tremendous contribution to the force's quality of life."Our spouses serve our nation just as we in uniform serve," he said, calling May 7 an important time to express appreciation. "As we pause on Military Spouse Day to recognize the contributions, sacrifices and extraordinary efforts of our spouses, the Air Force renders a very heartfelt 'thank you' to each of them," General Brown said.