| WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2007 – President Bush issued a proclamation today designating Sept. 30 as “Gold Star Mother’s Day,” honoring the mothers of men and women who have lost their lives while serving in the military. “On Gold Star Mother’s Day, we honor the mothers of the servicemen and women who have given their lives in defense of our great nation,” he said. “America’s Gold Star Mothers are remarkable patriots.
“Though they carry a great burden of grief, these courageous mothers help ensure that the legacy of our fallen heroes will be forever remembered,” he added.
The proclamation calls for government officials to display the United States flag over government buildings.
“I also encourage the American people to display the flag and hold appropriate ceremonies as a public expression of our nation’s sympathy and respect for our Gold Star Mothers,” Bush said.
Founded here in 1928, American Gold Star Mothers is an organization of mothers who have lost a son or daughter in service to the country. With a founding membership of 25 mothers, the organization was incorporated on Jan. 5, 1929. When the charter was closed 90 days later, the group was 65 members strong.
Membership was opened again in 1941 and again after the Korean Conflict.
American Gold Star Mothers was granted a congressional charter in June 12, 1984. It was 48 years earlier however, when Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115, decreed the last Sunday in September would be recognized as Gold Star Mother’s Day. The same resolution authorized and requested the president issue a proclamation of this each year in observance of the sacrifices made by Gold Star Mothers. |