Latta seeks national day to remember Gold Star families

U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) on March 28 sponsored a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives to designate March 2, 2020 as Gold Star Families Remembrance Day.

House Resolution (H.Res.) 269 would honor Gold Star families, who are the surviving members of U.S. military members killed in action. March 2, 2020 also marks the 91st anniversary of U.S. President Calvin Coolidge’s signing of a bill to fund the first Gold Star pilgrimage, which allowed Gold Star families to travel to the gravesites of their loved ones who died during World War I.

“This upcoming March 2 we should honor the family members of those that have given the ultimate sacrifice in defense of this nation,” Rep. Latta said. “It’s long past time that we have a day dedicated to the loved ones of these heroic military members.”

According to information provided by the congressman’s office, the term Gold Star family is derived from families who flew flags during World War I. A blue star on the flag meant that an immediate family member was serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. If the flag’s blue star was replaced with a gold one, it meant that a family’s loved one died in combat.

H.Res. 269 is cosponsored by 17 House members, including U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Mike Turner (R-OH), Susan Brooks (R-IN) and Cheri Bustos (D-IL).

Rep. Latta last February first introduced H.Res. 737, which would have designated March 2, 2018 as Gold Star Families Remembrance Day. However, the bipartisan measure stalled in several committees.

The lawmaker’s new resolution has been referred to both the U.S. House Armed Services Committee and the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Committee for consideration.

“I’m hopeful that this resolution will be passed in the coming months in order to finally recognize the Gold Star families that have given so much for our country,” said Rep. Latta.