Gonzalez bill would annually recognize Purple Star Families

A bipartisan resolution recently introduced by U.S. Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) would designate Purple Star Families Week each September to recognize the families of United States military veterans who have died by suicide. 

“Our veterans and their families have made enormous sacrifices for our country,” Rep. Gonzalez said. “This resolution honors our Purple Star Families, those families of service members who tragically have taken their own life due to mental health issues.” 

Rep. Gonzalez on May 25 cosponsored House Resolution (H.Res.) 444 with sponsor U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) to express support for the designation of the week of Sept. 19 through Sept. 25 as Purple Star Families Week, according to the text of the resolution.

“I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan resolution with my colleague, Rep. Spanberger, commemorating these families by designating an annual Purple Star Families Week every September,” said Rep. Gonzalez. “In Congress, I will continue to be a vocal advocate for improving access to mental health services for our nation’s veterans.”

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that more than 20 U.S. veterans have died by suicide each day during the last 10 years. If enacted, H.Res. 444 also would raise awareness about this ongoing trend impacting veterans’ families, according to Rep. Gonzalez’s office.

“These families deserve our respect and support,” the congressman said.

H.Res. 444 has been referred to the U.S. House Oversight and Reform Committee for consideration.