Military Spouse Day, 2025

( printed page 20359) Proclamation 10936 of May 9, 2025 Military Spouse Day, 2025 A Proclamation Military spouses are the heart and soul of our Armed Forces. Their unwavering devotion and profound influence enrich our fighting forces and the communities in which they serve. On Military Spouse Day, we proudly honor the wives and husbands who embrace this noble calling. Every day, military spouses share their loved ones with a demanding, no-fail mission. Yet their own mission is no less daunting—frequent relocations to destinations not of their choosing; heart-wrenching separations; parenting, often alone; and career continuity within a nomadic and uncertain life. Their ongoing sacrifices are intrinsically linked to family morale, readiness, and retention. We cannot maintain the world's most lethal fighting force without the love, selflessness, and support of the military spouses who navigate the unique and challenging demands in life. Employment is a critical challenge. Military spouses face a 21 percent unemployment rate—one of the highest demographics in the country—and a 25 percent wage gap compared to their civilian counterparts. Frequent relocations hinder job placements, career advancements, and tenures, regardless of their education and experience. During my first Administration, we made significant strides to improve military spouse employment by enhancing job opportunities within the Federal Government, expanding licensure portability, and increasing remote and flexible job options that provide continuity and financial stability for military spouses. Earlier this year, I issued a categorical exemption for military spouse employees following the return-to-office directive for Federal civilian employees, and we pledge to pursue additional innovative solutions to help military spouses thrive. It takes uncommon devotion and steadfast love to stand alongside those who wear our Nation's uniform. Yet, generation after generation, military spouses …