George Herbert Walker Bush

“ During the past year, our Nation was reminded of all that military families have endured over the years when more than 500,000 service personnel were activated, both here and abroad, to take part in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, as well as during U.S. humanitarian efforts in Operations Provide Comfort in northern Iraq and Sea Angel in Bangladesh. The stoicism and the patriotism displayed by America's military families during the conflict in the Persian Gulf uplifted and inspired our entire country. ”

“ Whether they live on bases here at home or at posts in Europe, the Pacific, and elsewhere, military families are united by common experience—including the experience of hardship and sacrifice. For example, reassignments often require service members and their dependents to move, leaving behind schools, friends, and jobs. Although such moves may consist of relocation to unfamiliar towns or even to foreign lands, military families weather the challenges with perseverance and pride. ”

“ Because they recognize the risks that their loved ones have accepted in the line of duty, and because a service member's assignments can entail lengthy absences from home, military families also cope with long hours of separation and worry. ”

“ More recently, hundreds of American military families responded with exemplary courage and composure when they were evacuated from their homes in the Philippines following the eruption of Mount Pinatubo. ”