May 1 would be designated as “Silver Star Service Banner Day” in recognition of military service members and veterans who became injured or sick while serving, under measures introduced by U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) on Monday.
Blunt introduced two measures. One would designate May 1, 2017, as Silver Star Service Banner Day, and one would designate it as a national day falling on May 1 each subsequent year.
“Our military men and women put themselves in harm’s way to secure our freedom, and many of them carry wounds or illness from their service for the rest of their lives,” Blunt said. “We would not have the blessings of freedom that we do without the sacrifices they have made. I hope on this May 1, and every May 1 going forward, all Americans will pause, reflect and reaffirm our gratitude for our Silver Star service members, veterans and family members.”
Blunt noted that the national nonprofit Silver Star Families of America (SSFOA), which is headquartered in Clever, Missouri, honors, assists and advocates on behalf of service members from each military branch, and their family members.
In addition to distributing care packages to wounded veterans and their families, SSFOA also provides assistance to veterans who were injured or became ill while serving in the armed forces.