U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman Alexis Motley

Families and loved ones of Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell's crew wait anxiously for them to moor and disembark at Naval base San Diego, Dec. 14, 2011. The Boutwell returned to homeport after a two-month Eastern Pacific deployment. View and download this image from the Coast Guard Visual Information Gallery.

by the Human Resources Directorate

Since 1984, the Armed Forces have set aside a special day to acknowledge the significant contributions of our spouses. This year, May 11, 2012, has been designated Military Spouse Appreciation Day to honor the husbands and wives who proudly serve beside Coast Guard service members. As a pillar of strength in our families, they are vital to our individual successes and the overall readiness of the Coast Guard.

Commanding officers and officers-in-charge are encouraged to honor military spouses during the month of May in appropriate ceremonies, celebrations, proclamations or a simple "thank you."

The Office of Work-Life has sample Spouse Appreciation Certificates that commanding officers and officers-in-charge can customize.