12 2 STA T .5308PROCL A M AT I O N 8252 — MA Y 5 , 2008 Proclam a ti o n825 2o fM a y 5 , 2 0 08 Mil i tarySpouseD ay ,20 0 8BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation Mil i taryspou s e se mb o d yt h e c oura g e ,n obility o f duty, and lo v eof country that inspire every A merican .O n Military S pouse D ay, w e pay tribute to the husbands and wives who support their spouses in Amer - ica ’ s Armed F orces during times of war and peace. T he legacy of military spouses began when colonial Americans were fighting for independence. Martha W ashington boosted the morale of her husband’s troops by visiting battlefields and tending to the wound- ed. Since then, members of our Armed Forces have served our N ation 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 j ustice, their spouses live with uncommon challenges, endure sleepless nights, and spend long periods raising children alone. Many military spouses are also com- mitted volunteers, serving other military families and local commu- nities. 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 com- mitment 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, T HER EFORE, I, G EORGE W. BU SH, P resident of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the C on- stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 9 , 20 0 8 , as Military Spouse Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities andbye x pressing 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 L ord two thousand eight, and of the Inde- pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- second. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 825 3 of May 8, 2008 Mot h er ’ s Day, 2008 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation On Mother’s Day, we honor the grace, wisdom, and strength of our mothers, and we celebrate the special bonds shared between mothers and their children.
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