[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 35 (Thursday, March 24, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         GOLD STAR MOTHERS DAY

                                 ______


                         HON. WILLIAM J. COYNE

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 24, 1994

  Mr. COYNE. Mr. Speaker, I am introducing today legislation which 
honors American Gold Star Mothers by designating September 25, 1994, as 
``Gold Star Mothers Day.''
  Congress has acted at various points in U.S. history to recognize the 
role of mothers in the life of our Nation. Special tribute has been 
paid to mothers who have lost a son or daughter who served in the Armed 
Forces of the United States. It is fitting that Congress should take 
such action to recognize the supreme sacrifice made by mothers who have 
lost a child serving in the defense of our country and perpetuate the 
memory of all whose lives were sacrificed in our wars.
  I want to note the special role played by the American Gold Star 
Mothers organization in honoring the memory of those who have lost 
their lives in the defense of the United States. The American Gold Star 
Mothers group was incorporated in 1929 as a nonprofit, nonpolitical 
organization. The American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., today continues to 
assist veterans of the Armed Forces and their dependents in the 
presentation of claims to the Veterans' Administration, and aid the men 
and women who served and died or were wounded or incapacitated during 
hostilities. This outstanding organization has worked over many decades 
to promote patriotism and to inspire respect for our Nation's 
democratic institutions.
  On September 14, 1940, the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt 
issued a proclamation designating the last Sunday in September as Gold 
Star Mothers Day. At various points since 1940, the Congress has 
reaffirmed its support for the celebration of Gold Star Mothers Day and 
the bill I am introducing would continue this tradition by designating 
September 25, 1994, as ``Gold Star Mothers Day.''
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the mothers 
of the men and women who have given their lives in the defense of our 
Nation by cosponsoring Gold Star Mothers Day legislation.

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