[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 17]
[House]
[Page 23645]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  AMERICA HONORS HER GOLD STAR MOTHERS

  (Mr. ROSKAM asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, last month I was humbled and honored to 
introduce a resolution honoring the goals and ideals of Gold Star 
Mothers Day. In 1940, FDR designated the last Sunday in September as 
Gold Star Mothers Day to commemorate the tremendous sacrifice these 
courageous mothers have endured on behalf of our Nation.
  This year Gold Star Mothers Day will be held on September 30. This 
brave group of women have turned their personal tragedy into patriotism 
and caring service.
  I want to take this opportunity to pay special tribute to Georgette 
Frank of Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Her son, Phil, enlisted in the 
Marine Corps right out of high school in response to the September 11 
attacks, and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
  Phil believed that the best way to keep America safe was to take the 
fight to the terrorists. And the last time he saw his mom he said, ``Be 
strong, Mom. No matter what happens, you be strong.'' That's exactly 
what Georgette has done.
  Phil and his family represent the best and the bravest that our 
country has to offer. Many other courageous families have paid this 
ultimate sacrifice, one we cannot ignore. Please join me in thanking 
Georgette and all the Gold Star Mothers by cosponsoring this important 
resolution.

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