Newhouse Highlights Resolution Honoring Gold Star Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement highlighting H.Res. 1030 ahead of Gold Star Mother's Day. This resolution designates Sept. 18-24, 2022, as Gold Star Families Remembrance Week, a national period to honor the sacrifices made by the families of U.S. military servicemembers who lost their lives in service to the nation.

“We owe an enormous debt to the men and women who sacrificed their lives to protect our nation and the values we all hold so dear. But we also owe an enormous debt to those whom they have left behind, their widows, orphans, and other loved ones,” said Rep. Newhouse. “To them, the loss is as tangible as a missing family member at a chair at the table that can never be filled. With this resolution, we honor and recognize these families and commit to celebrating the lives of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

“When I think of Gold Star Families, I’m reminded of the phrase ‘all gave some; some gave all.’ There is not a day that goes by that these families don’t remember their loved ones who sacrificed their ‘all’, their life, to defend our freedoms,” said Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA). “The least we can do is dedicate a week to honoring and remembering them, too.”

“We are forever indebted to our servicemembers, especially those who pay the ultimate price to protect our freedoms. When one member of the family serves, the entire family serves, and it’s our responsibility to support families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty,” said Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA). “I’m proud to join this resolution to honor our Gold Star families and recognize the sacrifice they have made to our nation.”

"This week we recognize and honor our Gold Star families who have lost loved ones in service to our country and the sacrifices that both these fallen heroes and their family members have made in the spirit of freedom," said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).

“I always say that when someone joins the military, it’s not just a job – it’s a family commitment to our country. This is especially true for those families’ whose loved one made the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield fighting for our freedom,” said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA). “They deserve all the honor, support, gratitude, and respect we can give them. That’s why I’m proud to team up with Congressman Newhouse to establish Gold Star Families Remembrance Week in honor of all those who have lost a beloved family member in service to the United States.”

“America is a free country because of the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes, and the sacrifices made by their families at home,” said Rep. Tracey Mann (R-KS). “The families of our servicemembers, especially those who laid down their lives defending freedom, deserve our utmost support and recognition. I am honored to cosponsor this resolution recognizing the often-unsung American heroes, our Gold Star families.”

“No one understands the meaning of sacrifice as much as Gold Star families,” said Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC). “As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, I join with my colleagues in honoring our fallen heroes and their families for their immeasurable service to our nation.”

“New York’s 21st District has a strong legacy of service to our country, and I am honored to represent many Gold Star families,” said Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY). “I am proud to join my colleagues in recognizing the loss and sacrifice these Gold Star families have made and ensuring they are supported after the tragic loss of a loved one in service to our country. Our nation owes an incredible debt of gratitude for this service and sacrifice, and I will continue to work to protect our Gold Star families’ benefits.”

Click here to read the full text of the resolution.

Background:

• The Gold Star Families Remembrance Week resolution recognizes the loss and sacrifices of families in support of fallen member of the Armed Forces, as well as veterans.  It encourages Americans to perform acts of community service and good will to honor these families.

• Commemoration of Gold Star Families Remembrance Week serves as a build up to Gold Star Mother’s Day, which has been observed by presidential proclamation since 1936 on the last Sunday of September.

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