President Donald Trump issued a proclamation designating Friday as Military Spouse Appreciation Day, linking the observance to the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.

“This tremendous milestone is only possible thanks to our Armed Forces who, since the dawn of our Republic, pledged to defend our freedom no matter the cost,” stated the proclamation, issued Thursday. “Generation after generation, the gravity of this sacred commitment has been shared by their selfless spouses.

“On Military Spouse Day, we honor the incredible women and men who serve this Nation.

“Military spouses are vital to our national defense. Their unwavering support of the home front enables our service members to protect our homeland and defend our liberty.

“Every day, they balance the unique demands and disruptions of military life with an uncommon resilience forged by frequent moves, lengthy deployments, and family separation.

“In spite of the challenges, military spouses persevere not simply because they love their spouses but because they believe in the promise of America.”

Military Spouse Appreciation Day is observed the Friday before Mother’s Day. The observance began in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan and was later established as an annual observance by then-Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger.

In 1999, Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month.

The president typically issues a proclamation recognizing the observance, while celebrations are held at and near U.S. military bases worldwide.

“The spouses of our service members share with their loved ones a noble but demanding calling,” Trump’s proclamation stated. “In times of peace and in the crucible of conflict, they rise to meet every challenge and bear the pressures and sacrifices with relentless grace and fortitude.

“Today, the First Lady and I join a grateful Nation in saluting these patriots and heroes. May God bless our Armed Forces, our military spouses, and their families.”

Trump’s proclamation came two days after first lady Melania Trump honored mothers of U.S. service members at the White House ahead of Mother’s Day on Sunday, speaking about the “quiet power” of motherhood.

“This is a time of military conflict for America. And whereby we honor our selfless and valiant service members regularly, today is the day we hold their mothers in the highest regard,” said the first lady, who was joined by the president. “It is these military mothers who find themselves alone, awake in their thoughts, in the darkest hours of the night.

“Of course, we must also remember the mothers with a spouse overseas, praying for a safe return so their family can become whole once again.”