Ratcliffe introduces bipartisan bill to ensure completion of monument for Gold Star families

U.S. Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-TX) hopes to keep a non-taxpayer-funded project to build a monument for Gold Star families in Washington, D.C., on track.

“As a grateful nation, we must make it a constant priority to commemorate those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our freedom and this should include honoring the families who’ve lost loved ones in the line of duty,” Rep. Ratcliffe said, referring to the monument that will be entirely sponsored by the Gold Star Mothers National Monument Foundation.

Rep. Ratcliffe on May 17 cosponsored the Gold Star Families National Monument Extension Act of 2019, H.R. 2819, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ) to extend the authorization for establishing the monument in honor of Gold Star families.

The lawmaker said that an extended authorization would ensure the monument’s construction and completion.

The Gold Star Mothers National Monument Foundation has been authorized to locate a bronze monument on federal land adjacent to the Arlington National Cemetery Visitors Center, according to the group, which says the statue will honor all mothers and families “who know the grief of losing a loved one and will promote a bond of kinship among those who memorialize our nation’s defenders.”

The statue is of a mother receiving a telegram with news of her child’s death that will be placed facing the Arlington graves, according to the foundation, which says the monument also includes panels describing the Gold Star’s history.

“I’m glad for the opportunity to introduce bipartisan legislation with Congressman Kim that will recognize Gold Star families as we seek to express our country’s immense gratitude through a National Monument in Washington D.C.,” said Rep. Ratcliffe.

H.R. 2819 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee.