[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 130 (Friday, September 27, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1394]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING OUR GOLD STAR MOTHERS OF UTICA, NEW YORK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RICHARD L. HANNA

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 2013

  Mr. HANNA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of this Nation's Gold 
Star Mothers, especially those in New York State and in particular in 
New York's 22nd Congressional District.
   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. On Sunday, September 29, 2013, our Utica chapter 
will host its Gold Star Mother's Day at 2 p.m. at the CPT George A. 
Wood Postal Facility at 100 Pitcher St. in Utica, New York.
   This day is made possible in large part due to the Vietnam Veterans 
of America Chapter 944, which annually honors our Gold Star Mothers and 
families during this event complete with Color Guards, a rifle salute, 
the singing of our national anthem, and a wreath-laying at Gold Star 
Mothers monument.
   Our Gold Star Mothers 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.
   Our Gold Star Mothers serve as the strength and inspiration for this 
country. They are part of an exclusive group--one that no one ever 
hopes to belong. One can imagine that there is no pain more far-
reaching or deeper than losing a child.
   While it's not possible to ever find solace in losing a child, our 
Gold Star Mothers find comfort in the women standing beside them. Their 
hurt may be soothed by knowing the lives of their sons and daughters 
live on through them. Their children live not only in their hearts, but 
in the heart of this Nation.
   Mr. Speaker, I believe to serve one's country--particularly during 
times of war--is one of the most noble and selfless acts available to 
man. 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. May we always honor the Gold 
Star Mothers of America for their courage and their strength.

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