Military Spouse Appreciation Day: A Tribute to 250 Years of Service to the Nation

Recognizing the Unsung Heroes Behind Military Families

Why Brands Celebrate Military Spouses

As the United States approaches the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of its armed forces in 2025, it is fitting on Military Spouse Appreciation Day to reflect on the invaluable roles played by military spouses throughout history. Making heroic contributions since the American Revolution and the founding of the United States military, spouses have been part of our Nation’s martial tradition. Myriad sacrifices and contributions, often made behind the scenes, merit recognition and celebration, not only on this occasion, but every day. Military spouses are unsung heroes who stand steadfast behind those who serve, embodying courage, love, and unwavering commitment, while making significant contributions to the national security of the United States.

Notable Contributions of Military Spouses Throughout History

Military spouses’ contributions throughout American history have been extraordinary. One iconic figure, Molly Pitcher, set the tone from the get-go. Emerging as a symbol of bravery and determination during the Revolutionary War, a continental soldier’s spouse, perhaps either Mary Ludwig Hays at the Battle of Monmouth, or Margaret Corbin at the Battle of Fort Washington, came to represent the figure known as "Molly Pitcher". At the time it was common for families to accompany travelling armies. Molly Pitcher brought water to troops in combat and even worked as part of a cannon crew after her husband collapsed in battle. Her actions epitomized the strength and courage of military spouses. Mary Ludwig Hays was later recognized by General George Washington, leader of the Continental Army. Margaret Corbin became the first woman in the United States awarded a military pension. Over time, Molly Pitcher’s story has been commemorated in several ways, including a postage stamp issued in 1928.

Fortunately, families no longer follow service members into combat, but they still fight important battles for themselves, their families, and the Nation. Julia Moore, wife of Lieutenant General Harold G. Moore, is a more modern example. Julia transformed the way casualty notifications were handled during the Vietnam War, advocating for compassionate and professional support for grieving families. Her contributions reshaped military protocol, ensuring dignity and respect for families in their darkest moments. Julia Moore has been honored in many ways, including the establishment of the Julia Compton Moore Award. Civilian spouses of U.S. Army soldiers making significant contributions to the health and welfare of the Army family receive the award. The renaming of Fort Benning to Fort Moore, between 2023 and 2025, honored both Hal and Julia Moore’s contributions to the Army. This was the first time a major installation’s name publicly lauded a military spouse.

Everyday Contributions of Military Spouses

While Molly Pitcher and Julia Moore provide notable examples, it is important to realize countless military spouses engage in innumerable selfless acts for the good of the service each day. Today’s military spouse leaders and influencers have picked up the torch by establishing organizations and leading initiatives dedicated to celebrating efforts benefiting our military and nation. Notable institutions furthering military spouse career opportunities, advocating for military families, advancing legislation, and celebrating achievement have been founded by significant others of service members. The National Military Spouse Network works to help military spouses balance viable careers with the military lifestyle. MilSpouseFest champions empowering military spouses and families. There are many other groups and companies, like Hiring Our Heroes, which have launched their own military spouse platforms. But one does need to be an influencer or movement starter to make a difference.

The everyday contributions of military spouses are often unseen yet immeasurably valuable. They manage households during deployments, care for children, provide emotional support to their service members and other military families, lead and contribute to volunteer efforts, and function as essential parts of support networks that make combat readiness a reality. Military spouses are adept at building new communities after relocations and fostering stability for their families in ever-changing circumstances. Military spouses often place careers on hold and face significant underemployment and unemployment due to frequent relocations and the demands of military service places on families. Resilience is a military spouse hallmark, and testament to dedication and love.

Military Spouse Employment and Career Concerns

One of the challenges faced by military spouses is maintaining stable employment amidst frequent relocations. Careers are often interrupted by moves to new duty stations, making it difficult to establish long-term professional growth. Despite these challenges, many spouses pursue careers with determination, navigating hurdles such as licensing requirements and gaps in employment.

What Military Spouses Offer the Business World

In addition to wide-ranging technical and professional skills, education, and training, military spouses bring unique qualities to the workplace, among them adaptability, resourcefulness, and resilience to name a few. Military spouses are skilled at multitasking, problem-solving, and building relationships—attributes highly valued in any business environment. Employers who hire military spouses benefit from their dedication and ability to thrive in dynamic situations. While many military spouse hiring initiatives have been created in recent years, more remains to be done by corporate America to fully access the talents of military spouses available to work, and with a desire to pursue professional careers.

What is Military Spouse Appreciation Day?

Military Spouse Appreciation Day, celebrated annually on the Friday before Mother’s Day, is a day dedicated to honoring the unwavering support, sacrifices, and contributions of spouses who form the backbone of military families. Military spouses provide the behind-the-scenes stability amidst the challenges faced by service members, making them integral to the strength of the United States military.

When Was Military Spouse Appreciation Day Created?

Military Spouse Appreciation Day was established in 1984 through a proclamation by President Ronald Reagan. Recognizing the indispensable role of spouses in the success of military missions and the well-being of service members, this day was created to acknowledge sacrifices and exceptional resilience.

Why Your Brand Should Recognize Military Spouse Appreciation Day

Celebrating Military Spouse Appreciation Day is an opportunity to express gratitude to individuals whose lives are intertwined with the demands of military service. Military spouses endure countless hardships, such as frequent relocations, extended separations, and the uncertainty of their loved ones’ safety. This day is for acknowledging the crucial role in maintaining the morale and strength of military families, enabling service members to focus on their duties. Military spouses are unsung heroes who stand steadfast behind those who serve, embodying courage, love, and unwavering commitment to the nation. If your company counts military spouses amongst its ranks, take a moment to celebrate and acknowledge excellent work. If your organization has not yet realized how military spouses can benefit your brand, perhaps today is the day to consider joining the many great American companies contributing to national security through military spouse employment or sponsorships. In whatever way you choose to celebrate, on May 9, 2025, take a moment to honor the military spouses who have served, and who continue to serve our Nation.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About Military Brand Advisor

Military Brand Advisor helps companies build strong, compelling, and enduring brands, advises geopolitical-military strategy and provides media and entertainment technical consulting, and delivers thought leadership on the impacts of evolving generational shifts on business. Military Brand Advisor helps bridge the gap in knowledge and experience necessary to forge authentic and meaningful bonds with military consumers. To learn more visit MilitaryBrandAdvisor.com. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About the Author

Andrew Fortunato, former Marketing Chief for the Marines brand, CMO, consultant, and speaker, advises and leads organizations seeking marketing and strategic success. Andrew shares his marketing leadership and brand-building insights on his “What Can Your Brand Learn From The Marines?” site.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

© Copyright 2025 MilitaryBrandAdvisor. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten, or otherwise distributed without written permission.