[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Page 3892]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        BLUE STAR FAMILIES WEEK

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
brave men and women who serve around the world in America's Armed 
Forces, and to recognize what the California State Assembly has 
designated as Blue Star Families Week.
  Blue Star Families Week is an opportunity to show that the United 
States and California stand behind members of the Armed Forces and 
their families as they serve with valor at home and abroad.
  The Blue Star Flag is an official banner authorized by the Department 
of Defense and is given to families with loved ones serving in the 
Armed Forces to place in their windows as a visible sign of their 
family's sacrifice. Blue Star flags date back to World War I and serve 
as a symbol of community support and solidarity in times of war and 
hostility.
  I am proud of the men and women of our Armed Forces that are bravely 
serving all over the world to protect our freedom, our democracy and 
our way of life. During my recent trip to Iraq I had the honor of 
witnessing the strong character of our troops. We owe an immeasurable 
debt to the families of these men and women who are willing to 
sacrifice their futures for our country. The Blue Star program is 
another way we can show how much we value their heroism and bravery.
  I am pleased to take time this week to salute the brave heroes in the 
Armed Forces, and their loved ones, for their tremendous sacrifice and 
dedication.

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