Acknowledging the sacrifices that military families have made on behalf of the Nation and designating November 25, 1991, as "National Military Families Recognition Day".
PL 102-169 (H.J.Res.215), enacted 11/26/1991

PUBLIC LAW 102-169—NOV. 26, 1991 
105 STAT. 1105 
Public Law 102-169 
102d Congress 
Joint Resolution 
Acknowledging the sacrifices that military families have made on behalf of the 
j ^ ^ ^ £6 1991 
Nation and designating November 25, 1991, as "National Military Families Recog-
n i i i r n D a F 
" 
" 
^ 
- 
- ' ^ 
" 
" 
-
^ 
[H.J. Res. 215] 
Whereas the Congress recognizes and supports the Department of 
Defense policies to recruit, train, equip, retain, and field a mili-
tary force that is capable of preserving peace and protecting the 
vital interests of the United States and its allies; 
Whereas the people of the United States are particularly indebted to 
and respecting of the family members of the more than 500,000 
military personnel activated for Operation Desert Shield and 
Operation Desert Storm; 
Whereas military families shoulder the responsibility of providing 
emotional support for their service members; 
Whereas, in times of war and military action, military families have 
demonstrated their patriotism through their steadfast support 
and commitment to the Nation; 
Whereas the emotional and mental readiness of United States 
military personnel around the world is tied to the well-being and 
satisfaction of their families; 
Whereas the quality of life that the Armed Forces provide to 
military families is a key factor in the retention of military 
personnel; 
Whereas the people of the United States are truly indebted to 
military families for facing adversities, including extended separa-
tions from their service members, frequent household moves due 
to reassignments, and restrictions on their employment and edu-
cational opportunities; 
Whereas 74 percent of officers and 53 percent of enlisted personnel 
in the Armed Forces are married; 
Whereas families of active duty military personnel (including 
individuals other than spouses or children) account for more than 
2,770,000 of the more than 4,841,000 in the active duty commu-
nity, and spouses and children of members of the Reserves in paid 
status account for more than 1,317,000 of the more than 2,346,000 
in the Reserves community; 
Whereas spouses, children, and other dependents living abroad with 
members of the Armed Forces total nearly 487,000, and these 
family members at times face feelings of cultural isolation and 
financial hardship; and 
Whereas military families are devoted to the overall mission of the 
Department of Defense and have accepted the role of the United 
States as the military leader and protector of the free world: Now, 
therefore, be it 
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives 
of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled, That— 
(1) the Congress acknowledges and appreciates the commit-
ment and devotion of present and former military families and 
59-139 O - 91 (169) 
105 STAT. 1106 
PUBLIC LAW 102-169—NOV. 26, 1991 
the sacrifices that the families have made on behalf of the 
Nation; and 
(2) November 25, 1991, is designated as "National Military 
Families Recognition Day", and the President is authorized and 
requested to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the 
United States to observe the day with appropriate programs, 
ceremonies, and activities. 
Approved November 26, 1991. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 215: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 137 (1991): 
Aug. 1, considered and passed House. 
Nov. 12, considered and passed Senate.