[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16523]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF AMERICAN GOLD STAR MOTHERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JERRY McNERNEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 24, 2010

  Mr. McNERNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today and ask my colleagues to 
join me in honoring Gold Star Mothers, whose sacrifices and service to 
our country are recognized on the last Sunday of September.
  The organization known today as American Gold Star Mothers was begun 
by Grace Seibold, whose son was killed in aerial combat over France in 
1918. Mrs. Seibold worked tirelessly in veterans hospitals both before 
and after her son's tragic death. It is this spirit of generosity and 
selflessness which lead to the eventual establishment of the American 
Gold Star Mothers as a national organization.
  The Gold Star Mothers embody the spirit of love, duty, patriotism, 
and charity that compels people to serve their country. The ultimate 
sacrifice of sons and daughters in war is reflected in the tremendous 
energy and time given by Gold Star Mothers to support men and women who 
return from service. By volunteering at veterans hospitals and 
commemorating the lives of those who has passed away, Gold Star Mothers 
support one another and our brave men and women serving overseas.
  As a father whose son served in the Air Force, I take great comfort 
in the thought that such an organization exists to provide comfort and 
aid to the young men and women returning home from abroad. On Gold Star 
Mothers Day, it is important to recognize the sacrifices that are borne 
by the families of our men and women in uniform. It is with profound 
respect that I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the tireless 
efforts of Gold Star Mothers across our country who honor the memories 
of their children and support our nation with unceasing acts of 
charity, service, and compassion.

                          ____________________