[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 142 (Monday, September 24, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H10706]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF GOLD STAR MOTHERS DAY
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 605) supporting the goals and ideals
of Gold Star Mothers Day.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 605
Whereas the American Gold Star Mothers have suffered the
supreme sacrifice of motherhood by losing a son or daughter
who served in the Armed Forces, and thus perpetuate the
memory of all whose lives are sacrificed in war;
Whereas the American Gold Star Mothers assist veterans of
the Armed Forces and their dependents in the presentation of
claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs and aid members
of the Armed Forces who served and died or were wounded or
incapacitated during hostilities;
Whereas the services rendered to the United States by the
mothers of America have strengthened and inspired Americans
throughout the history of the United States;
Whereas Americans honor themselves and the mothers of
America when they revere and emphasize the role of the home
and the family as the true foundations of the United States;
Whereas by doing so much for the home, the American mother
is a source of moral and spiritual guidance for the people of
the United States and thus acts as a positive force to
promote good government and peace among all mankind; and
Whereas September 30, 2007, is being recognized as Gold
Star Mothers Day: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports the goals and ideals of Gold Star Mothers Day;
and
(2) requests that the President issue a proclamation
calling upon the people of the United States to observe such
day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Davis) and the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.
General Leave
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their
remarks.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in the consideration of H.
Res. 605, a bill supporting the goals and ideals of Gold Star Mothers
Day.
H. Res. 605, which has 108 cosponsors, was introduced by
Representative Peter Roskam on August 1, 2007.
H. Res. 605 was reported from the Oversight Committee on September
20, 2007 by voice vote.
Mr. Speaker, Gold Star Mothers Day is an organization for mothers who
have lost a son or daughter in service to our country. In 1940,
President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated the last Sunday in September
as Gold Star Mothers Day to recognize and commemorate the tremendous
sacrifice these courageous mothers have endured on behalf of our
Nation. This wonderful group of women have turned their personal
tragedy into patriotism and public service.
Today, numerous chapters of Gold Star Mothers across our Nation offer
important programs and services to improve the lives of veterans and
their families. They assist veterans of the Armed Forces and their
dependents in the presentation of claims to the Department of Veterans
Affairs.
I support the goals and ideals of Gold Star Mothers Day. And I have
the utmost respect for mothers and fathers that have sacrificed their
sons and daughters for peace, freedom and the security of our Nation.
And so, Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague, Representative Peter
Roskam, for introducing this legislation and urge its swift passage.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I, too, applaud Peter Roskam of Illinois for his introduction of this
resolution. He had every intention of being here, but unfortunately he
missed his plane, so he is not able to make it at this time.
During World War I, Grace Seibold's son, George, served with the
British Royal Flying Corps in France. While on combat duty, he
regularly sent letters home to his family in Washington, D.C. Around
Christmas of 1918, the letters stopped and the Seibold family never
heard from him again. Because his military unit was under British
control, the U.S. had no information of his whereabouts or safety.
After months of waiting, they received notice of his death.
Throughout the war, Grace Seibold had been spending her time visiting
with soldiers in military hospitals and providing solace and assistance
with their recuperation. After her own son's death, she met with fellow
mothers of soldiers who had been killed serving their country.
The women began to share their grief and quickly found support for
each other. Their uncommon bond brought them closer and helped them to
heal. The group also encouraged community service by volunteering at
local hospitals for veterans.
After years of careful planning, in June of 1928, 25 mothers joined
in Washington, D.C. to form the American Gold Star Mothers,
Incorporated. The mission of the organization is to honor the men and
women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and to assist
veterans with processing claims made to the Department of Veterans
Affairs.
The service provided by the Gold Star Mothers does not end there.
They inspire patriotism and love of country. They promote peace and
goodwill through annual special events. The Gold Star Mothers work in
cooperation with all veterans organizations and lend their support
giving many hours of volunteer work and personal service to veteran
families. It is an organization that inspires community service, honor
of country, and takes great pride in having our brave men and women
serving in our Armed Forces.
I am proud to honor these brave women for their continued efforts and
their tireless support of our Nation.
With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I will close by simply stating
that I have a very active, passionate and involved chapter of Gold Star
Mothers in my congressional district. And so on behalf of them, and all
of the Gold Star Mothers and Fathers throughout the country, I would
urge passage of this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 605.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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