[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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