Military spouses have always been the heroes behind the scenes of our great nation. Their continued dedication and loyalty helps keep our country safe and our servicemembers secure. Military spouses deserve our gratitude every day, but National Military Spouse Appreciation Day is a day set aside specifically to honor and acknowledge the military spouses among us who continue to demonstrate Service Not Self.    
 
Military Spouse Appreciation Day was first recognized by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. He established the Friday before Mother’s Day is the official day to appreciate and recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by military spouses. This important day is celebrated throughout the United States and on military installations worldwide — check with your local military base for virtual events and celebrations. 
 
Below are a few ideas to show the military spouse in your life some extra love on Military Spouse Appreciation Day: 

• Host a Military Spouse Appreciation Day party. Celebrate your military spouse with a fun celebration to honor them. Invite other military couples or military spouses to join in on the fun and celebrate them all together. 
• Help them conquer a personal goal. Military spouses always put their family before themselves, which sometimes pushes aside their own personal goals. Help your king/queen with the goal that they keep postponing. 
• Offer them a gift of experience. Show your military spouse your appreciation by taking them to do something they’ve always wanted to do but they’ve not had the chance. Gifts are great, but the gift of a new experience with someone you love is something that they will never forget, and they’ll appreciate the memories forever. 
• Give them the day off. Show your military spouse your gratitude by taking over household duties for the day or better yet, the whole weekend. Make them breakfast in bed. Clean up the house. Cook their favorite meal for dinner.
• Show your appreciation creatively. Give your military spouse a long list of reasons why you appreciate them or write them a meaningful letter. Try creating a coupon book with different chores and lots of pampering pages for your spouse to use. You could also make a heartfelt video of appreciation for your spouse. The possibilities are endless.