Acknowledging the sacrifices that military families have made on behalf of the Nation and designating November 23, 1992, as "National Military Families Recognition Day".
PL 102-540 (H.J.Res.503), enacted 10/27/1992

PUBLIC LAW 102-540—OCT. 27,1992 
106 STAT. 3563 
Public Law 102-540 
/ 
102d Congress 
Joint Resolution 
Acknowledging the sacrifices that military families have made on behalf of the 
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Nation and designating November 23, 1992, as 'National Military FamiUes Rec- 
^^- '^^ ^^^ 
ognitionDay". 
[H.J. Res. 503] 
Whereas the Congress recognizes and supports the Department 
of Defense policies to recruit, train, equip, retain, and field a 
military force that is capable of preserving peace and protecting 
the vital interests 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 sup-
port and commitment to the Nation; 
Whereas the emotional and mental readiness of the 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 mili-
tary 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 72 percent of officers and 54 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 2,815,000 of the more than 4,880,000 individuals in the 
active duty commimity, and spouses and children of members 
of the Reserves in paid status accoimt for more than 1,320,000 
of the more than 2,470,000 individuals in the Reserves commu-
nity; 
Whereas spouses, children, and other dependents living abroad 
with members of the Armed Forces total nearly 450,000 and 
these family members at times face feelings of cultural isolation 
and financial hardship; 
Whereas the significantly reduced global military tensions after 
the end of the Cold war have led to a down-sizing of the national 
defense and a refocusing of national priorities to strengthening 
the American economy and competitiveness in the global market-
place; 
Whereas the Congress is grateful for such sacrifices and is commit-
ted to assisting the service members and their families who 
undergo the transition from active duty to civilian life; 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 
-139 O - 92 (540) 
106 STAT. 3564 
PUBLIC LAW 102-540—OCT. 27, 1992 
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 militaxy families 
and the sacrifices that such families have made on behalf 
of 
tihie 
Nation; and 
(2) November 23, 1992, is designated as 'National Military 
Families Recognition Day^. The President is authorized and 
requested to issue a proclamation calling on the i^ple of 
the United States to observe the day with appropriate pro-
grams, ceremonies, and activities. 
Approved October 27,1992. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 503 (S.J. Res. 328): 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. Vol. 138 (1992): 
Sept. 30, considered and passed House. 
Oct. 8, considered and passed Senate.