[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 135 (Wednesday, September 23, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S9727]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         GOLD STAR MOTHER'S DAY

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, this Sunday marks Gold Star Mother's Day, 
a day for us to honor the mothers of servicemembers lost while serving 
in our Armed Forces.
  This Sunday, the last Sunday in September, is a day that is part of a 
larger Gold Star tradition, one that brings together all family members 
who have lost a son or daughter in uniform.
  The gold star has its roots in World War I, when families would 
display in the windows of their homes a blue star for every family 
member who was serving and a gold star for every family member who had 
died in the war. In 1936, Congress established the last Sunday in 
September as Gold Star Mother's Day.
  America has been home to hundreds of thousands of Gold Star Mothers, 
each of whom has lost a child. They often choose to become part of an 
organization of other Gold Star Mothers, one that--in the words of one 
mother--``none of us ever wanted to become eligible to join but we are 
grateful to have.'' It is a testament to their strength that so many 
continue to volunteer and to remember, long after they learn of their 
own loss.
  On Sunday, the American people are encouraged to display our flag and 
also to hold meetings to publicly express the love, sorrow, and 
reverence we have for Gold Star Mothers.
  Gold Star Mothers from across the country will visit our Nation's 
capital, to remember. They will visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial 
Wall, a short distance from this place, where many will lay wreaths for 
their sons or daughters. They will travel to Arlington National 
Cemetery and view the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
  In Illinois, Gold Star Mothers will be recognized in ways big and 
small, from the Governor's annual ceremony in Chicago, to a barbeque 
held in their honor at the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial in 
Marseilles, Il, to commemorations in townhalls and on radio shows.
  Gold Star Mothers affect every community in this country. Their 
presence is another reminder that in the Senate, the vote for war is 
among the most significant votes a Senator will ever take.
  I hope all Americans will take a moment out of their day this Sunday 
to honor Gold Star Mothers, their families, and their children who died 
while serving our country.

                          ____________________