U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) has sponsored a resolution that would designate Sept. 19-25 as Gold Star Families Remembrance Week to honor the sacrifices made by the families of fallen U.S. military service members.
“We owe an enormous debt to the men and women who sacrificed their lives to protect our nation and the values we all hold so dear. But we also owe an enormous debt to those whom they have left behind, their widows, orphans, and other loved ones,” Rep. Newhouse said. “To them, the loss is as tangible as a missing family member or a chair at the table that can never be filled.”
If enacted, House Resolution (H.Res.) 675 would recognize the loss and sacrifices of families in support of fallen members of the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as veterans and would encourage Americans to perform acts of community service and good will to honor these families, according to a summary provided by Rep. Newhouse’s staff.
Commemoration of Gold Star Families Remembrance Week also would serve as a build up to Gold Star Mother’s Day, which has been observed by presidential proclamation since 1936 on the last Sunday of September, the summary says.
H.Res. 675 on Sept. 24 gained two cosponsors, U.S. Reps. Dave Joyce (R-OH) and Mike Kelly (R-PA).
“With this resolution, we honor and recognize these families and commit to celebrating the lives of those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” added Rep. Newhouse.
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) supports H.Res. 675, which is under consideration by members in both the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the U.S. House Armed Services Committee.