Take a look around, and you will see that there are heroes in our communities and a number of us take it for granted. Not every American will be called upon for "sacrifices", such as leaving for war, but for those military spouses that are left behind; they too are serving on the home front. Yes, while some are called to make a visible influence, there are those that serve quietly.

Sacrifice by definition means, "A giving up of something valuable or important for somebody or something else considered to be of more value or importance." - Encarta World English Dictionary.

Service members' families make sacrifices, spend time apart, and do things without their spouse. Life continues with family traditions, holidays, and birthdays. Life does go on.

During the month of May we pay tribute, honor, remember, recognize, and appreciate different aspects of the military. Military members and their families know that when duty calls, they proudly serve. They show their appreciation for all –it's their personal calling to serve all mankind.

In May we celebrate:

National Military Appreciation Month
Loyalty Day
VE Day (Victory in Europe)
Military Spouse Appreciation Day*
Armed Forces Day
Memorial Day

So much attention is given to these special days for the military, but one exceptional day is dedicated to Military Spouse Appreciation Day*. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed Military Spouse Appreciation Day in 1984. The official celebration date is designated as the Friday before Mother's Day each year.

As I think of what a Military Spouse is, I am brought to remember a poem titled, Silent Ranks, which epitomizes the military spouse. However, I have 'tweaked' it a bit, for the mere fact that more and more we are seeing the husband at home while his wife is in the service.

Silent Ranks: -Author anonymous

I wear no uniforms, no blues or army greens.
But I am in the military, in the ranks rarely seen.
I have no rank upon my shoulders, Salutes I do not give.
However, the military world is the place where I live.
I'm not in the chain of command, orders I do not get.
But my spouse is the one who does, this I cannot forget.
I'm not the one who fires the weapon, who puts my life on the line.
But my job is just as tough; I'm the one that's left behind.
My spouse is a patriot, a brave and prideful American
And the call to serve our country, not all can understand.
Behind the lines I see the things needed to keep this country free.
My spouse makes the sacrifice, but so do our kids and me.
I love my other half who serves without expecting any thanks
I am known as the Military Spouse who stands among the silent ranks.

The truth is, the silent ranks aren't really silent, but on the contrary are exceptionally active. As spouses, they volunteer on the home front, attend Family Support Groups; spend time together learning how to be a better military family and concentrating improving quality of life while serving in the military. We see spouses actively involved in supporting their service members as well as other service members and are proud to be Americans.

"To be an American is not a matter of blood or birth. Our citizens are bound by ideals that represent the hope of all mankind: that all men are created equal, endowed with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." –George W. Bush 30APR03

Over the years, I have learned that I could not just stand idle, sit back, and not do something. I cannot take for granted those valiant efforts by heroes who have served and those who have stood among the silent ranks.
Please be sure to thank a military spouse and let them know how much we appreciate the sacrifices they give, during peacetime and especially during wartime, all for the "greater good of mankind".