A joint resolution acknowledging the sacrifice that military families have made on behalf of the Nation and designating November 20, 1989, as "National Military Families Recognition Day".
PL 101-160 (S.J.Res.215), enacted 11/17/1989

PUBLIC LAW 101-160—NOV. 17, 1989 
103 STAT. 949 
Public Law 101-160 
101st Congress 
Joint Resolution 
Acknowledging the sacrifices that military families have made on behalf of the 
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Nation and designating November 20, 1989, as "National Military Families Recog- 
' 
nitionDay". 
[S.J. Res. 215] 
Whereas Congress recognizes and supports Department of Defense 
policies to recruit, train, equip, retain, and field a military force 
that is capable of preserving peace and protecting the vital in-
terests of the United States and its allies; 
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 emplo)nnent and edu-
cational opportunities; 
Whereas 68 percent of officers and 48 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 
two million seven hundred thousand of the more than four million 
eight hundred thousand in the active duty community, and 
spouses and children of members of the Reserves in paid status 
account for more than one million five hundred thousand of the 
more than two million seven hundred thousand in the Reserves 
community; 
Whereas spouses, children, and other dependents living abroad with 
members of the Armed Forces total nearly five hundred thousand 
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) Congress acknowledges and appreciates the commitment 
and devotion of present and former military femiilies and the 
sacrifices that such families have made on behalf of the Nation; 
and 
103 STAT. 950 
PUBLIC LAW 101-160—NOV. 17, 1989 
(2) November 20, 1989, is designated as "National Military 
Families Recognition Day", and the President is authorized and 
requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the 
United States to observe such day with appropriate programs, 
ceremonies, and activities. 
Approved November 17, 1989. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 215: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 135 (1989): 
Oct. 27, considered and passed Senate. 
Nov. 7, considered and passed House.