Proclamation 9881-Military Spouse Day, 2019
Issued 2019-05-09 by Donald J. Trump
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Trump issued a proclamation designating Military Spouse Day, 2019, to honor the husbands and wives of military service members. This is a ceremonial recognition that brings national attention to military spouses and their contributions. The proclamation acknowledges the challenges these families face, including frequent relocations that require leaving behind homes, schools, jobs, and communities, as well as the difficulties of managing households during deployments.
The proclamation highlights that frequent relocation creates economic hardships, particularly unemployment and underemployment for military spouses. It points to administration efforts to address these challenges, including an executive order signed the previous year requiring federal agencies to use existing hiring authority to give military spouses greater consideration for government jobs. It also mentions the Department of Defense's Military Spouse Employment Partnership, which has connected over 390 companies and organizations with military spouses, resulting in more than 130,000 hires since 2011.
This type of ceremonial proclamation does not create new laws, require congressional approval, or impose legal obligations on anyone. It is a traditional presidential function used to express the nation's appreciation and draw public awareness to the contributions and needs of military spouses. The proclamation encourages states and local governments to improve occupational license portability for military spouses and asks communities to support these families.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9881-Military Spouse Day, 2019" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to military spouse. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2019 Proclamation 9881—Military Spouse Day, 2019 May 9, 2019 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Military spouses share an admirable legacy of unwavering devotion to their loved ones in uniform and to the cause of freedom. Wives and husbands stand faithfully beside their beloved service members and play a critical role in their ability to safeguard our country. They shoulder tremendous burdens and responsibilities and face demands that most families will never endure. Military spouses earn no rank or compensation, yet their contributions to our military might are invaluable. On Military Spouse Day, we honor our Nation's military spouses and express our deep appreciation for all that they do. The nomadic nature of military life places tremendous pressure on military families. Frequent relocations, which require leaving behind the familiar—home, school, work, church, and friends—are commonplace. Military spouses nevertheless find ways to improve their communities, on and off the base, and to thrive in spite of the numerous hardships. Military spouses also demonstrate sacrificial love and provide essential support and encouragement to their service members during deployments. They com