[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 150 (Wednesday, November 17, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1945]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    SUPPORTING GOLD STAR MOTHERS DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2010

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support in 
recognition of Gold Star Mothers Day, which is celebrated the last 
Sunday of September. These mothers have given the supreme sacrifice for 
their country: they have lost a son or daughter serving in the Armed 
Forces. But instead of mourning alone, these courageous women have 
taken their personal loss and used it to help others in the same 
situation.
  Several weeks ago, I hosted the Congressional Black Caucus Annual 
Legislative Conference, along with Rep. Corrine Brown of Florida and 
Rep. Sanford Bishop of Georgia. At that conference, we were honored to 
have here with us Ms. Aseneth Blackwell, a former President of the Gold 
Star Wives of America, a sister organization of the Gold Star Mothers. 
Both members of these organizations have lost loved ones in service for 
their country.
  These honorable women provide support to those who may not know who 
to turn to. They provide a listening ear and sympathetic voice to the 
bereaved, because they have been there too. They assist veteran's 
families in understanding and obtaining the benefits provided by the 
government for veteran's families. And they make sure that the Nation 
never forgets those sacrifices made by the men and women of the Armed 
Forces.
  My condolences go out to any family member that has lost a spouse, a 
child, or a parent in the service of their country. That is why I am 
proud to speak today on behalf of this bill that recognizes the 
sacrifice made by mothers of this country, by observing Gold Star 
Mothers Day. I also commend President Obama for his proclamation on 
September 24th, asking the public to observe this special day with 
them.

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