"Thank you" to all military spouses on this Military Spouse Appreciation Day.
Did you know that May 6 was declared Military Spouse Appreciation Day in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan? Most Americans are pretty good about supporting our active-duty military, but it's easy to overlook the challenges faced every day by a military spouse.
Aside from the emotional ups and downs of loneliness and constant concern for their spouse, there are practical matters a military spouse encounters daily...like 24-7 parenting without anyone to help with the kids, or the yard, or health care or... Well, the list goes on endlessly.
'Been there, 'done that, and I remember.
So take a minute right now to think about any military spouses in your family, your client/customer database, or your sphere of influence and make a note to call or write today and say "Thank you for your service".
Here are a few other things you might do to honor them on Military Spouse Appreciation Day - or any day.
Ten ways you can thank a military spouse :
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Spend an hour or two of your time watching their small children so they can have some a lone time for errands, a nap, or catching up on bills.
- Go for a walk with them and talk - I remember going to the grocery store just to talk with the check-out person.
- Invite them for a cup of coffee at your home or a local bagel shop.
- Send flowers - or better yet, take them.
- Share a bottle of wine.
- Offer to take their photo or make a video for them to send overseas to their deployed spouse.
- Go shopping together.
- Invite him or her (and kids) to join your family for a cookout.
- If their spouse is not currently deployed, offer to babysit so they can have an adults-only dinner out.
- Spread the word that today is Military Appreciation Day so many others will also say thank you.
If you own a small business, you may wish to offer a discount or small gift to military spouses today. Or better yet, every day.
I've had the opportunity to work with hundreds of military families during my years in real estate, and I always feel so honored to earn their trust. Long after your home sale or purchase is over, I think about them - but I don't say "thank you" often enough.
So right here, right now, let me say to my military clients, neighbors, and relatives, that I think military spouses are pretty special people. And I thank you for your service and sacrifices that make it possible for your spouse to protect our nation.
Copyright 2006-12. All rights reserved.
DISCLAIMER: Information contained in this post is deemed reliable on the date of publication, but it is not guaranteed and it is subject to change without notice.
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Margaret Woda, REALTOR and Associate Broker
Direct: (301)346-2923 or click on EMAIL
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Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2191 Defense Hwy., Crofton, MD 21114 (410) 721-1500
Margaret, I'm embarrassed. I didn't even know there was such a thing. Thanks for bringing this to our attention. It's good to remember that entire families make sacrifices so their spouses can serve in the armed forces. I'm glad Reagan had to foresight to recognize these people for their sacrifices. Suggested.
That's a great list of what we can do to support our troops. They really sacrificed for us these last 10 years.
Margaret,
We've taken to heart the idea of inviting the family over for a cookout. Thanks for your post.
Mike in Tucson
Just stopping by to wish the women in our lives Happy Mother's Day!
Margaret, I was not aware there was a Military Spouse Appreciation Day. I will put it on my calendar for next year. However, you are absolutely right, we should be thinking about them and their spouses every day considering the sacrifices they are making for all of us. I have wanted to search out groups in the Houston area that do things to support our military. Thanks for the reminder.
Margaret,
I knew plenty of married folks when I served, and your post is right on the money. The average citizen is not aware of the sacrificies of the military spouse. The time apart, the work demands of the military member...
A bottle of wine, or babysitting a child is like gold to those folks.