First lady Michelle Obama is honoring military mothers and wives for being "outstanding role models" for their children, communities and country.

The first lady and Jill Biden hosted an afternoon tea honoring the mothers. The tea celebrated both Military Spouse Appreciation Day and Mother's Day.

The military families dined on light fare including tuna tartare, cucumber sandwiches, blueberry scones and fruit tarts.

The children presented the gifts to their moms before Mrs. Obama and Biden gave brief remarks thanking the military families.

Following the tea, Mrs. Obama and Biden participated in a community service activity at the Naval Observatory, the vice president's residence. They were joined by congressional spouses in assembling hundreds of care packages for mothers and wives at the request of deployed troops.