During the celebration, Bush promised to continue pushing for more benefits for military Families.

Most of the spouses from WRAMC were those of Warriors in Transition, Warrior Transition Brigade cadre and WRAMC staff.

Following a tradition President Ronald Reagan established when he declared the first Military Spouses Day in 1984, Bush said he believes ìwe need to recognize military spouses every day.î

ìOne way we can repay the service of our spouses is by making the burdens of military life a little easier,î he told the group, who enjoyed breakfast at red-and-white-checkered tables dotting the White Houseís South Lawn.

Bush noted that he signed a change to the Family and Medical Leave Act into law this year, drawing applause from the group. The law allows a spouse, parent, child or next of kin to take up to 26 weeks of leave from work to care for a seriously injured or ill servicemember undergoing therapy or treatment.

Referring to last weekís revelations of poor housing conditions at Fort Bragg, N.C., Bush promised to do better. ìWhen we find substandard housing, we'll take care of it,î he told the spouses.

Bush said heís hoping Congress moves quickly to pass legislation he sent to Capitol Hill to ease some of the burdens military Families face. These initiatives, announced during Bushís State of the Union address in January, would expand access to child care, create new authorities to appoint qualified spouses into civil service jobs, and provide educational opportunities and job training for our military spouses.

But the initiative that drew the most cheers from the crowd would amend the Montgomery GI Bill to allow troops to transfer their unused education benefits to their spouses or children.

ìThis legislation is moving. I hope to be able to sign it as quickly as possible,î the president told the spouses. ìIt is the absolute right thing to do. It should send a clear message that we care for you, we respect you, and we love you.î

Bush thanked military spouses who stand behind their loved ones serving the country during wartime. ìWhether you signed up for military life at the recruiting station or at the altar rail, each person ó each personís a volunteer,î he said. ìAnd when you married your Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine or Coast Guardsman, you became more than just part of a Family. You became part of our nationís military Family.î

The life of a military Family is no easy calling, the president said. It involves frequent moves, living far from extended families, and saying goodbye to a spouse who goes off to serve on the front lines in the battle to secure the United States and spread freedom.

ìBeing left behind when a loved one goes to war has got to be one of the hardest jobs in the United States military,î Bush said, noting the challenges of holding down the home front while praying for a loved oneís safe return.

ìIn carrying out the burdens, youíre serving our country, and itís noble service, and it's necessary service,î he said. ìThe United States of America owes you a huge debt of gratitude. And so, on behalf of our people, thank you for what you're doing.î

Gates said he makes it a point during his visits to military facilities to meet with Families of deployed troops, most recently last week at Fort Bliss, Texas. ìIím always tremendously impressed by your sacrifice, resilience and fortitude,î he said.

Amanda Villiers, wife of Army Staff Sgt. Stan Villiers, called Bushís and Gatesí messages to the spouses particularly meaningful after enduring her husbandís two deployments to Iraq.

ìItís nice to be here and see that we are a part of something bigger,î she said.