Veterans Day Recognizes Military Spouses
Blurred Lines of Military Celebrations
Should Veterans’ Day include military spouses? Who should we recognize and when?
“Memorial Day is not to be confused with Veterans’ Day. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving, while Veterans’ Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans.”
– from a West Point graduate, class of 84′
Our country also has Military Spouse Appreciation Day, always falling on the Friday before Mother’s Day. This day acknowledges the significant contributions, support, and sacrifices of the spouses within our Armed Forces.
President Ronald Reagan recognized the profound importance of spouse commitment to the readiness and well-being of military members and declared May 23, 1984 the first Military Spouse Day with Proclamation 5184, dated April 17, 1984. The US Secretary of Defense, Caspar Weinberger standardized the date by declaring the Friday preceding Mother’s Day as Military Spouse Day. See source
One example of blurred lines will take place on Veterans’ Day Nov. 11, 2013, in Kingsland, a city in Camden County, Georgia (near Jacksonville, Florida). A yellow ribbon cutting ceremony will take place during the dedication of the “Spouse House Gazebo,” a new monument in Kingsland’s Veteran’s Memorial Park.
The “Pentagon” shaped monument (each side representing a branch of service) is a result of the joint efforts of the city, the Veteran’s Memorial Park Committee, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 8385.
With her husband at her side, Julie Davis, wife of World War II veteran Jack Davis, will take part in the ceremony.
Anna Haggin, a former military spouse (due to the death of her husband, not divorce) will sing The National Anthem. Her singing was recently praised on both American Idol and America’s Got Talent. (See article source)
Is it OK to Share?
Parents with young children may have experienced a birthday party for their eldest child, where a younger sibling reaches in to open a present. Some parents firmly, but gently, stand their ground and tell the younger child, “It’s not your time; your time will come.”
- Should the Gazebo ceremony have waited?
- Should they have scheduled it for May 9, 2014, Military Spouse Appreciation Day?
- Should someone have gently said, “Spouses, it’s not your day; your day will come”?
In our military celebrations, the lines are becoming blurred. As our nation pulls together in recognition, our festivities appear to include a mixture of food, drink, patriotism, and a simple focus of, “Let’s have an all around good time.”
Do we need to distinguish the things we cherish and value?
What do you think of on Veteran’s Day? Current soldiers, those who passed away, the pride you have for your country, or the dinner you plan to enjoy that night with family and friends?
The Tough Call to Make
Is it okay to focus on more than one?
The Spouse House itself is a wonderful thing. Notice, they did not call it the “Spouse Gazebo”. Naming it the “Spouse House” substantiates that it is the military spouse maintaining the home while the service member is off at war. The location in the park, just behind the veteran statue, is a further subtle indication of the spouse’s supportive role.
The Spouse House confirms our nation’s recognition of the significant contributions of the military spouse. Placing it within a veteran park is further evidence that more and more people are beginning to recognize the military family as a unit serving our country. The park is a testimony that we are grateful for our service members and thankful of the role of our military spouses. The Spouse House is a salute to the entire military family.
What do you think about the blurred lines evolving in military celebrations?
~ Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Honoring a current spouse who has endured the trials and tribulations of a military marriage – yes, I strongly agree that tribute is appropriate for a spouse who is still married to their military spouse. HOWEVER, when a military spouse decides the marriage is over – whatever the action taken – separation, divorce, etc, – then they are NO LONGER a military spouse, but then they become a former spouse – period. As they left the military marraige they also LEFT THE MILITARY – end of discussion !
A Military.com article also shows our country’s new emphasis on recognizing the “Veteran family” and gives examples of other military functions including the spouse.
@USFSPA Fighter: when you marry someone you are merging your lives. Marriage is a contract.
I am an ex-spouse and my opinion is the commemorations should be kept separate. Veterans Day is to honor veterans.
OK, using your convoluted logic, if and when the military member gets recalled back to active duty, because the former broomrider is getting “retired pay”, then the broomrider should be called back to active duty as well ! !
My logic was in response to your comment of riding the coat tails. Military spouses’ “real life” is the military life. They are not riding anyone’s coat tails. It had nothing to do with retirement pay. And insults are unnecessary.
This article asked if we thought that Veterans Day should be used to commemorate veterans, or if it was appropriate to also recognize spouses. I said I thought it is best to keep the commemorations separate.
Understood.
The lines of celebration in our nation have certainly changed over the years. It goes all the way down to little league, where you get “participation” trophies.
The new viewpoint is “celebrate all” — and the question is, “Is that okay?”
I loved the military.com article you referenced above — it articulated well the sacrifices and risks, and sometimes tragedies, a military spouse endures. I agree wholeheartedly with her argument but I still worry about “diluting” the commemorations.
Give me a friggin break ! Talk about riding on the coat tails of their military spouses ! GET A REAL LIFE – of your OWN !