[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 71 (Thursday, June 4, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1032]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO GOLD STAR PARENTS DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 4, 1998

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Gold Star 
Parents Day, commemorated in my home state of Texas on June 8.
  Gold Star Parents is dedicated to honoring those who inspire service 
to our nation in their children. Celebrated halfway between Mother's 
Day and Father's Day, Gold Star Parents Day is a reminder that behind 
every veteran who serves his or her nation, there is a mother AND a 
father who directly or indirectly motivate a son or a daughter into 
service.
  Founded in Laredo, Texas in 1971, Gold Star Parents boasts a 
membership that spans the state. Among patriotic family organizations, 
Gold Star Parents is one of the few of its kind in that it offers full 
membership to both mothers and fathers of veterans.
  Last week on Memorial Day we paused to reflect upon the service of 
our nation's veterans. Today, I urge you to consider the tremendous 
sacrifice the brave mothers and fathers of those veterans endure when 
they send their beloved off to war. Our nation's freedom is built upon 
the sacrifices of our nation's veterans. We must not forget that those 
sacrifices are borne foremost among the mothers and fathers of those 
veterans.
  For that I honor the parents and urge the remembrance of the mothers 
and fathers of our fallen heroes on June 8.

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