Seventy-five military spouses of the Old Town-based Military Officers Association of America were among the 1,200 guests on the White House South Lawn for a Military Spouse Day Appreciation Ceremony May 6.   President George W. Bush hosted the group to honor the husbands and wives of those who wear the uniform of the United States armed forces.

“Military spouses embody the courage, nobility of duty, and love of country that inspire every American,” President Bush said. “On Military Spouse Day, we pay tribute to the husbands and wives who support their spouses in America’s Armed Forces during times of war and peace.”

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.

“We salute our nation’s military spouses and thank the husbands and wives of our service members who have made significant sacrifices, not only today but every day,” said Norb Ryan, MOAA’s president. “They are an integral part of the success of our Armed Forces.”