First Lady Michelle Obama calls on nation to support military spouses

[cal04]

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/california-politics/2010/10/michelle-obama-calls-on-nation-to-support-military-spouses.html

Speaking before a crowd of thousands at the annual Women's Conference in Long Beach, First Lady Michelle Obama called on the nation Tuesday to honor and support the nation's military spouses, saying that their struggles and stories remain "invisible" to too many Americans.

"Their loved ones protect every single one of us. Their service keeps our entire country safe," Obama said. "So their sacrifice should be our sacrifice. Supporting them is our solemn obligation as a grateful nation."

The speech at Tuesday's event, hosted by California First Lady Maria Shriver and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, comes as Obama tours the country in support of Democratic candidates. On Monday, she spoke at a fundraiser for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and on Tuesday evening, she will attend a fundraiser for Sen. Barbara Boxer, who is facing a challenge from Republican Carly Fiorina.

On Tuesday, Obama said she was first struck by the stories of military spouses while she was on the 2008 presidential campaign trail, traveling the country and speaking with groups of women about her husband's candidacy. Obama related tales of extended deployments, missed birthdays or anniversaries and the challenges of moving from base to base every few years.



The First Ladies: Michelle and Maria
http://blogs.glam.com/glamnest/2010/10/26/the-first-ladies-michelle-obama-and-maria-shriver-at-twc2010/


Complete text of Michelle Obama's Women's Conference 2010 keynote address
http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_16436850

[brooklynite]

1. Just as long as they're not Gay...

[madmax]

2. FLOTUS with the mostest. Love our FL eom

[Name removed]

3. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Dennis Donovan]

4. Fuck off, clown...

_|_

[ampad]

5. Nice to know that she cares

It is a struggle. However, I feel grateful that my husband has come back from every deployment in one piece. Every once in a while I will catch the end of Nancy Grace while waiting for Joy Behar. When Grace shows the pictures and says the names of the fallen I have to hold back the tears. Most of them leave behind a wife and kids. Those are the spouses that I feel have been overlooked the most.