Gold Star Mother's Day

Gold Star Mother's Day, 2006 A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Since America's founding, every generation has produced patriots willing to sacrifice for our great Nation. Many of these proud sons and daughters have given everything for our freedom, and America has mourned the loss of every life. On Gold Star Mother's Day, we pay special tribute to the mothers of those lost while defending our country and extending the blessings of liberty to others.

Gold Star Mothers have long borne the hardships of war with dignity and devotion. Through heartbreaking loss and unimaginable grief, they continue to support each other through difficult times, stand up for those wearing the uniform of the United States, and serve their communities in the best traditions of the American spirit. Their strength, compassion, and determination are an inspiration to all and a source of great pride for our Nation.

America lives in freedom because of the sacrifices of America's finest citizens and of the mothers who raised them. In the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944, "There is nothing adequate which anyone in any place can say to those who are entitled to display the gold star in their windows." Each year, this observance is an opportunity to offer our solemn respect to Gold Star Mothers and renew our ongoing pledge that America will always remember those who died while wearing the uniform of the United States and forever honor their families' sacrifice.

The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 23, 1936 (49 Stat. 1895 as amended), has designated the last Sunday in September as "Gold Star Mother's Day" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in its observance. On this day, we express our deep gratitude to our Nation's Gold Star Mothers, and we ask God's blessings on them and on their families.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Sunday, September 24, 2006, as Gold Star Mother's Day. I call upon all Government officials to display the flag of the United States over Government buildings on this solemn day. 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.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.

I missed posting about this yesterday, because like most American’s I let my petty daily routines guide my life.

Since 1936 the United States of America has honored the Gold Star Mothers of our Service Members and yet, I bet not many of us knew that the day even existed. Despite one very misguided Gold Star Mother the mothers of our fallen largely go un-noticed and that is a tragedy.

The families of our fallen deserve to be treated better and with more respect for not only have their son’s and daughter’s given their last full measure they too gave more than most would ever contemplate.

Yesterday was the one Sunday out of 52 we recognize each year in our Julian calendar, you would think that we could take the time out of our busy day, stop watching the game for a moment and remember the brave families on the home front whose lives will never be the same.

You’d think that in a country where even the most anti-military say they support the troops we could have taken some time out of our life to say thank you for your service, and yet not one media outlet reported on this solemn day. Our most famous Gold Star Mother never even mentioned it.

To Sgt Stokely’s Mother, Step-Mother, Father and Wife I extend to you my sincere condolences on your loss. Sgt Stokely; as have the rest of the millions of our finest since 1775, gave of himself so that we might live free, and you are those who must bear that sacrifice for the rest of your lives.

To all of the Gold Star Families; thank you for your service and for your sacrifice for without them we could not be the greatest country in the world today.