Karen Pence, wife of Vice President Mike Pence, offered thanks and a message of unity as the keynote speaker at an annual conference for military spouses Friday afternoon at Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall.

“The strength of our nation doesn’t just come from the people in uniform who fight to protect our freedoms,” Pence said during the 20-minute speech. “The spouses and families who serve alongside them also make tremendous sacrifices to the greater benefit of our country. Military spouses are selfless heroes who work tirelessly to keep everything in order. Many of you have had to uproot your lives, give up your personal and professional aspirations, and restart a career. I admire your steadfast devotion to your spouses and our nation.”

Pence was accompanied by Hollyanne Milley, wife of the Army’s chief of staff, Gen. Mark Milley. Upon arrival, they visited with conference attendees and received an overview of the conference workshops, which ranged from financial readiness for deployment to home schooling and drawing.

Laura Fleming, conference director, said she sent an invitation to Pence because she was inspired by Pence’s message of strength in unity.

“She really is just a kind, genuine person and it was an absolute honor to have her here,” Fleming said. “What I love about the things she spoke about was really bringing awareness to some of the struggles that military spouses today endure, and reminding us that in unity, there is strength.”

Attendee Katie McCrillis, whose husband has been away for a year serving in the Army, said she felt Pence was supportive of the military community.

The Joint Spouses’ Conference, established in 1995, is a nonprofit run by volunteers. The annual event allows spouses of service members from every branch, rank and duty status to network and support one another. This year’s theme was “Stronger Together.”