AN ACT Designating Military Spouse appreciation Day in North Carolina.

Whereas, the first Military Spouse Appreciation Day was observed on May 23, 1984, as a result of a proclamation issued by President Ronald Reagan; and

Whereas, later the Department of Defense declared the Friday before Mother's Day as Military Spouse Appreciation Day to show appreciation for the sacrifices of military spouses; and

Whereas, in 1999 Congress made Military Spouse Appreciation Day part of National Military Appreciation Month; and

Whereas, North Carolina prides itself as being the nation's Most Military Friendly State; and

Whereas, the citizens of this State should show their appreciation for the role that military spouses play in supporting their significant others while they serve our country by observing Military Spouse Appreciation Day in North Carolina; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Chapter 103 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

§ 103‑16.  Military Spouse Appreciation Day.

The Friday before Mother's Day in May of each year is designated as Military Spouse Appreciation Day in North Carolina.

SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.