New Jersey-2014-SJR40-Chaptered

A Joint Resolution designating September as "Gold Star Mothers Appreciation Month."

Whereas, The men and women of America's Armed Forces selflessly serve to protect our nation, are among our greatest heroes, and, in many cases, have given their lives so that Americans could live in freedom and security; and

Whereas, The heartache of the loss of a son or daughter in the service of our nation is something that no mother should ever have to experience; and

Whereas, After receiving notice of her son's death in World War I, Grace Darling Seibold devoted her energy to volunteering in a local hospital and reaching out to other mothers whose sons had died in military service; and

Whereas, She organized a group of 25 of these special mothers on June 4, 1928 to make plans to establish a national organization to be known as American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. (Gold Star Mothers), named after the gold star service flag that families hung in their windows in honor of family members who had died in military service; and

Whereas, On January 5, 1929, the organization was incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia with a mission to perpetuate the ideals of American freedom and democracy for which their children had so gallantly fought and died; and

Whereas, Today, there are more than 200 chapters of Gold Star Mothers across the United States composed of mothers who have lost a son or daughter while serving our country; and

Whereas, Gold Star Mothers assist veterans of the Armed Forces and their dependents in presenting claims to the federal Veterans Administration, aiding the men and women who served and were wounded or incapacitated during hostilities, and providing countless hours of volunteer work and personal service in veterans hospitals throughout the country; and

Whereas, Mothers who have lost a son or daughter while they were serving our country have made a tremendous sacrifice for our nation and this State has previously recognized that sacrifice by designating the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother's Day; and

Whereas, Because one day is not sufficient to recognize the monumental loss suffered and invaluable societal contributions provided by these mothers, it is only fitting and proper that the State set aside a month each year to honor these women; and

Whereas, This month of recognition and appreciation may not take away the pain of their loss but it is one way to honor the Gold Star Mothers for their devotion to our country and for the efforts and sacrifices they have endured to preserve our freedom; and

Whereas, It is fitting and proper for the State of New Jersey to honor the Gold Star Mothers for their many outstanding contributions to America and its veterans, and to ensure their sacrifices are properly recognized; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The month of September of each year is designated as "Gold Star Mothers Appreciation Month" in recognition of and appreciation for the Gold Star Mothers who have suffered the supreme sacrifice of motherhood by losing sons and daughters in service with the United States Armed Forces.

2. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation and call upon public officials, private organizations, and all citizens of this State to observe this month each year with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This resolution designates the month of September of each year as "Gold Star Mothers Appreciation Month" in recognition of and appreciation for the Gold Star Mothers who have suffered the supreme sacrifice of motherhood by losing sons and daughters in service with the United States Armed Forces. The resolution requires that the Governor annually issue a proclamation and call upon public officials, private organizations, and all citizens of the State to observe the month each year with appropriate events and activities.

Designates September as "Gold Star Mothers Appreciation Month."