Freedom Friday, May 7, 2010

In 1984 President Reagan proclaimed the Friday before Mother's Day of each year to be Military Spouse Appreciation Day in recognition of the "countless personal sacrifices" military spouses have made in support of the Armed Forces from the earliest days of the Continental Army.

I am proud to be a Military Spouse but even more, I am proud to be an Army wife and so what I share with you today is the history of the Army Wives Seal.

I wish ALL of my fellow Military Spouses a wonderful day!

The Army Wives Seal

The eagle at the top of the circle represents the Army Wife, who in protecting her nest, also protects the flag and the future it represents. Alert and poised, she is ready to defend either when the need arises.

As the ultimate goal of her husband's profession is peace, so it is hers. The olive branch held by the eagle represents this peace; her hope for an end to wars for her husband and her children.

The lyre, symbol of harmony, gentility and romance, surrounds the four phases of her life that she holds dear.

The cradle represents her children, her Mother - her own Motherhood. The sheaf of wheat represents the staples and stability she provides for her family - her duty. The grapes represent the social life, the wine, fun, sense of humor - her lighter side. The open book represents her individuality and personal self-fulfillment through knowledge and wisdom. The person she is and becomes - her personal self.

The double circle enclosing all is her wedding band, symbol of eternity and never ending love. This circle is broken only by the eagle, here a symbol of her duty to country. For the Army Wife, the break in the circle represents the many separations and the possible ultimate sacrifice.