[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 143 (Tuesday, September 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1971]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF GOLD STAR MOTHERS DAY

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                               speech of

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 24, 2007

  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of those 
American mothers who have lost children in the service of our country. 
As a cosponsor of H. Res. 605, I strongly support this resolution to 
recognize their great sacrifice and suffering.
  The Gold Star Mothers Club was formed in the United States to provide 
support for mothers that lost sons or daughters in war. The name came 
from the custom of families of servicemen hanging a banner called a 
Service Flag in the window of their homes. The Service Flag had a star 
for each family member in the military. Living servicemen were 
represented by a blue star, and those who had lost their lives were 
represented by a gold star. Today, membership in the Gold Star Mothers 
is open to any American woman who has lost a son or daughter in service 
to the United States. On the last Sunday in September, Gold Star 
Mother's Day is observed in the U.S. in their honor.
  American Gold Star Mothers is a nationwide organization first 
incorporated in the District of Columbia in 1929 after years of effort 
by the mother of a deceased airman fighting in World War I. In the 
years following, the organization has grown to include members and 
chapters across the country.
  The responsibility of motherhood is vast and as our mothers raise 
their children, they do so with great hope. This hope does not involve 
losing a child to war but raising a son or daughter that strives to 
change the world for the better. This bill acknowledges that those 
mothers have succeeded in that goal and we, too, recognize the ultimate 
sacrifice their children have made. H. Res. 605 supports the Gold Star 
Mothers and ensures that their sacrifice and that of their children 
will not be forgotten.
   Mr. Speaker, again, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 605 and urge 
my colleagues to join me in supporting its passage.

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