[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 5324]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     SILVER STAR SERVICE BANNER DAY

  Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, as I conclude, one other thing I want to 
mention is Silver Star Service Banner Day. I thank my colleagues for 
unanimously passing a resolution I submitted with Senator McCaskill 
last week to designate May 1 as Silver Star Service Banner Day. It is a 
day we honor our Nation's servicemembers who have been injured or 
become ill while serving, and we also honor their families on that day.
  I am grateful to work for this cause and for the work the Silver Star 
Families of America do. This is a nonprofit organization headquartered 
in Clever, MO. In 2004, that group began its work to remember, to 
honor, and to assist members of the Armed Forces from every branch of 
the military and from every war. This organization assists veterans who 
have suffered physical or emotional trauma from war and distributes 
Silver Star flags and care packages to wounded veterans and their 
families.
  Our military men and women put their lives on the line to defend our 
Nation, and many have done so in ways that result in tremendous 
personal cost for them and their families--from loss of life, to 
injury, to trauma of all kinds. On Silver Star Service Banner Day, I 
hope all Americans will take a moment to reflect on the countless 
sacrifices and appreciate the blessings of freedom their service has 
provided.
  We salute our former and current servicemembers and encourage all 
Americans to do the same with the presence of a Silver Star service 
banner in the window or a Silver Star flag flying in the front yard. 
Those who serve deserve and should receive the gratitude of the Nation, 
whether they serve in the military or as first responders, and in the 
last few days the Congress was able to step forward and recognize those 
who serve in unique ways.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Rubio). The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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