[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 165 (Tuesday, November 1, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1972]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING MS. DIANA NEWTON, CO-FOUNDER OF THE SILVER STAR FAMILIES OF 
                                AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILLY LONG

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 1, 2011

  Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor one of the 
7th District of Missouri's most distinguished individuals, Diana 
Newton.
  Diana has dedicated her life to serving those who serve our country. 
Growing up with a father and brother in the armed forces, she knows 
first-hand the sacrifices our troops and their families make every day 
to keep our country free.
  One day, while speaking with a veteran's mother, Diana felt more 
should be done to recognize our combat veterans. She then decided to 
bring back the American tradition of Silver Star Service Banners.
  Silver Star Service Banners, or hand-sewn silver stars on blue and 
red cloth, were popular during the First World War. Families of 
enlisted members would display the banners in the windows of their 
homes in recognition of their loved one's patriotism and sacrifice.
  In 2004, Diana and her husband co-founded the Silver Star Families of 
America in the hopes of once again using the Silver Star Service 
Banners to honor the sacrifice of America's best and brightest. Thanks 
to Diana's hard work, the Silver Star Service Banner is again being 
presented to thousands of veterans across the country.
  The Silver Star Families of America is now an esteemed board member 
of the Veterans Administration Volunteer Services and has delivered 
over $2 million in donated materials to veterans throughout the United 
States. Diana's leadership has established the organization as a 
verifying organization with the Presidential Volunteer Awards Program, 
a testifying organization with the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, 
and a sponsor of the Silver Star Banner Day on May 1st of every year.
  A model citizen, Diana has been nominated as a CNN Hero of the Year, 
decorated with the Daily Point of Light award, the Missouri National 
Guard's Conspicuous Award, and received the 2010 Commendation and Gold 
Presidential Volunteer Services awards from former President George W. 
Bush.
  Americans should be proud to know that people like Diana honor those 
who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms. I too am 
proud, and I am honored, to call her my fellow citizen and neighbor in 
the 7th Congressional District of Missouri.

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