[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 20, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H4412]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING GOLD STAR FAMILY REMEMBRANCE WEEK

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Miller of West Virginia). The Chair 
recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, this week is Gold Star 
Family Remembrance Week. Every September, Gold Star Family Remembrance 
Week takes place on the week leading up to Gold Star Mother's Day, 
which has been observed by Presidential proclamation since 1936 on the 
last Sunday of September.
  The Gold Star symbol first originated in 1917 when the United States 
began its involvement in World War I. Families would hang banners to 
represent a family member in the armed services. If the family member 
died in combat, the family would change the banner from a blue star to 
a gold star.
  We will never know the exact number of Gold Star families. However, 
accordingly to the National Gold Star Family Registry, at least 472,251 
fallen military members are registered by loved ones. At least 36,548 
of those servicemembers have been registered in my home State of 
Pennsylvania.
  As an Army dad, I am blessed my son returned home. I am aware that 
this is not the case for all families, and we must take the time to 
remember, respect, and honor the families of our fallen servicemembers.
  To honor and remember our fallen servicemembers and their families, I 
look forward to supporting efforts such as the Gold Star Family 
Remembrance Week. This week recognizes the loss and sacrifices of 
families in support of fallen members of the Armed Forces, as well as 
veterans.
  I look forward to supporting legislative efforts to honor this 
occasion and encourage fellow Americans to perform acts of community 
service and goodwill to honor these families.
  Our servicemembers are the bravest among us. They answer the call to 
protect and defend our Nation in times of war and in times of peace.
  This important week is a time to remember the families of the brave 
men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our 
freedom.
  Madam Speaker, let us take a moment to remember that our freedom is 
not free. We cannot begin to imagine the loss and pain that these 
families have experienced.
  Gold Star families have lost a loved one in the name of protecting 
our freedom, and they deserve our gratitude every day.

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