[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

May 9 Spouse Appreciation Day - 2003

Thank You to all the military wives and husbands reading this.

Proclamation 5184 -- Military Spouse Day, 1984

April 17, 1984 By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

Since the early days of the Continental Army, the wives of our servicemen have made unselfish contributions to the spirit and well-being of their fighting men and the general welfare of their communities.

Throughout the years, as the numbers of our married men and women in uniform have grown and as their military missions have become more complex and dispersed, their spouses have made countless personal sacrifices to support the Armed Forces. In many instances, they subordinated their personal and professional aspirations to the greater benefit of the service family. Responding to the call of duty, they frequently endured long periods of separation or left familiar surroundings and friends to re-establish their homes in distant places. And there they became American ambassadors abroad.

As volunteers, military spouses have provided exemplary service and leadership in educational, community, recreational, religious, social and cultural endeavors. And as parents and homemakers, they preserve the cornerstone of our Nation's strength -- the American family.

Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 23, 1984, as Military Spouse Day, in recognition of the profound importance of spouse commitment to the readiness and well-being of service members on active duty and in the National Guard and Reserve, and to the security of our Nation. I invite all the Armed Forces, the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard, the Departments of Defense and Transportation, the Governors of the several States, the chief officials of local governments, and the people of the United States to observe this day in an appropriate manner.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 17th day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eighth.

Ronald Reagan

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:22 a.m., April 18, 1984]

[aquawrench]

The Rats are mad because they realize that W's just locked up 2004-2008.

[husky ed]

Can we drop the word "Tailhook" in these threads? This makes it sound like something special.

All carrier landings are tailhook unless it's a copter or Harrier.

[GOPrincess]

What a great report, thanks much for this.

[Wolfstar]

Doug, what I'm interested in is whether or not someone had the presence of mind to preserve that plane? It became the first Navy 1 in history. Personally, I would like to see it go to the future George W. Bush presidential library. But if it can't go there for some reason, I'd like the see it in the National Air and Space Museum or some equally appropriate place. Do you have the connections to find out what happened to or is going to happen to that plane?

[kcvl]

Thank you!

Did you know that three LIBERAL Democrats from Congress were also flown out there?

[gitmo]

GREAT post, doug.

[Mo1]

Some in the media were sworn to silence, and they were given the May 2 date about 3-4 weeks ago. They knew it would be coming to port at that time.

The Media/Press/Dems KNEW 3-4 weeks ahead of time and they are making a stinker about it now ???

UNBELIEVABLE!!! ... They can kiss my Irish Butt ..

[SolitaryMan]

I retired from the navy last year and all of what you say is true. The Navy is always doing things to promote its self, including taking congress critters and other high and even low profile people on VIP Cruises and such. Great for crew moral, they are recognized and the crew gets to show their stuff.

[Fledermaus]

Great work doug.

Personally, I WANT the Dimbulbs to whine everyday. Even "liberals" I know are dismayed at their constant sniping.

The more and more they whine and whine, the more and more decent Americans see them for what they are: worthless pieces of dog feces.

Wait, I take that back - dog feces has more worth.

[CindyDawg]

journalists are flown in and not charged

Well, maybe this needs to be changed.

[Rudder]

The commander is amazed at this flap, which has been totally invented by the media.

Hey, it's showbiz...not news. The media always seeks drama, i.e., conflict and tension. Hence objectivity and accuracy take a back seat.

[jackbill]

In 1991, the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT arrived 20 hours early off the coast of Virginia. It sat out there looking at land for 20 hours. And they never come to port at night.

I can attest to that. My youngest son was aboard the TR, returning from the Gulf War in June of 1991 and I was aware of the docking date for two weeks. Unfortunately, circumstances kept me from greeting him, but two of my other sons did - on schedule, on time.

I believe that the DemocRATs are going to rue the day that they took on the Commander in Chief on this issue. Big Time.

[McGavin999]

Shhhh, don't say anything. Everytime the dems complain, the media just shows the wonderful pictures of our president. A friend of mine got to see them for the first time the other day. She didn't pay any attention to what was being said, but said all she could think of was "Da*n he looks good in a flight suit".

[liberalnot]

good going!

he's right. no one treats the travel plans and expectations of so many people on a whim without causing lots of mixups and anger.

another democrat media hallucination dispatched.

[nicollo]

Great Stuff, DFU!

Of course the Navy was behind this one -- they got more (good) publicity in one afternoon than all their advertising could generate in year.

A quick note on this:

"We would do this again," said the commander. "Ever since President Franklin Roosevelt, every president has landed aboard a Navy ship."

Other presidents have boarded naval vessels long before FDR. I also worry about the word "landing" in conjunction with an aircraft carrier. Strikes me as funny that an airplane can "land" on a ship at sea. ... lol!

George Washington had to have sailed while in office, if only on the Potomac between DC and Mount Vernon (I don't know). Abraham Lincoln famously sailed to Richmond as a guest of the Navy in 1865. Theodore Roosevelt reviewed the Great White Fleet from a Navy ship, as did William Howard Taft, several times. Both journeyed on Navy steamers to Panama while in office, and both used the presidential yacht, which dated back before them, although I don't know that is was a Navy ship. Anybody know?

In other words, Presidents and the Navy go waay further back than FDR.

[ladyinred]

BRAVO doug! Thanks so much for doing this. This is explosive news in my opinion. It is obvious the liberal media in conjuction with the RATS are making an issue out of a non issue for their own political gain. I hope so much this backfires on these donkey's from hell.

[JustPiper]

Put this with the Dad ,

Here

and Doug we have a double-header of Truth!!! Bump to you! Hey, can I get a FR reporters pass to the exercise simulation here in Chicago?

The Media Center will be staffed with professional media contacts to assist all media inquiries. Press packets, schedule changes, daily agendas, and other pertinent press information will also be available at this site during hours of operation. Media inquiries during hours when the press center is not staffed may be directed to (312) 746-4000 or (312) 746-5000.

Credentialing

All media outlets are welcome to cover TOPOFF 2. Identification of media personnel covering TOPOFF 2 is important to ensure safety and security at each media staging site. Specialized TOPOFF 2 credentials are not needed for the Illinois Venue; however, media personnel are asked to display current press credentials at all times while at the media staging sites. Members of the media may also be asked to provide additional photo identification.

Please,Please boss I wanna go ;)

[SkyPilot]

You are a great American Doug. Thanks for posting this.

[Valin]

They opted for an F-18. Because of security, however, the White House opted for the Viking, a 4-seater which could accommodate Secret Service.

I would have LOVED to have been a fly on the wall when this was first broached to the SS. You want too WHAT!! Or for that matter to the first lady.

What's the use of being president if you can't do stuff like this? Makes up for all the rubber chicken he has to eat.