[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2536]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO AMERICA'S GOLD STAR MOTHERS

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                          HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 14, 2009

  Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition that 
September 27, 2009, was designated as ``Gold Star Mother's Day.'' It is 
fitting that we recognize the American Gold Star Mothers, whose sons 
and daughters have died in defense of the ideals of individual liberty. 
They should be honored and offered respect and gratitude for their 
personal sacrifice.
  Gold Star Mother's Day is intended to honor women who deserve special 
recognition and gratitude for their tremendous personal loss on behalf 
of our country.
  During the early days of World War I, a Blue Star was used to 
represent each Soldier in military service of the United States, and as 
the war progressed and Soldiers were killed or wounded in combat or 
died from wounds or disease, a Gold Star superimposed over the Blue 
Star designated the loss of these individuals. This tradition 
recognized Soldiers for their ultimate sacrifice to our country and the 
Gold Star offered families an outward symbol by which to honor the loss 
of a loved one.
  In 1928, the Gold Star tradition was formalized in Washington, D.C., 
by a group of mothers who had lost sons and daughters in service to 
their country and met to form the American Gold Star Mothers 
organization. This organization is a nondenominational, non-profitable 
and nonpolitical organization that is dedicated in supporting veterans, 
military families, and Service Members returning from our present day 
battlefields.
  In 1936, President Franklin Roosevelt issued a proclamation which 
recognized Gold Star Mothers for their strength and inspiration to this 
country.
  Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to appreciate the services 
rendered to the United States by the mothers of America who have 
strengthened and inspired our Nation throughout history and that we 
honor the Gold Star Mothers of America for their courage and their 
strength.

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