Military Spouse Appreciation

Friday, May 8th, 2009, is National Military Spouse Appreciation Day. "The first 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." (http://www.army.mil/spouse/)

So what have you planned to honor the spouses in your community? It is not too late.

Simple ideas but a moment to say Thanks

If you see the flash of their ID as they make a transaction be sure to thank them!

Perhaps set out a bowl of chocolates with a little note of thanks for any military-spouses that walk through your doors.

Of course they give so much more but just an acknowledgement that they are appreciated can put a smile on their face.

Another idea: You could put a sign on your store-front: "If you are a military spouse come in for a free rose." Have a supply of roses on hand. Don't expect them to buy. Don't make it a sales-pitch opportunity. Just a simple chance to say Thank you.

Place a sign outside of your door: "Military Spouses are the Heart of the Military" Offer a significant discount on their purchase for the day.

Do you have a surplus of stock? Extra bottles of lotion? Extra home decorations? Seed packets? Whatever it may be that you are in the business of selling. Perhaps you can give something to each military-spouse that walks in the door that day, or weekend. It will clear some of your extra stock and can be a nice little gift.



I am a military-spouse. I just endured the longest year of my life. A deployment in Iraq left me at home as a single-mom with three growing boys. I missed the love-of-my-life. I handled things at home on my own. But with strength I became stronger! I know there are other spouses out there that want to hear 'Thank You' for keeping the embers at home lit!



- Leanne from MilitaryAvenue.com