Hyde-Smith Introduces 'Gold Star Families' Resolution to Commemorate Memorial Day

Press Release

In advance of Memorial Day, U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) has introduced a Senate resolution to designate Sept. 23-29, 2018, as "Gold Star Families Remembrance Week" to honor the families of fallen members of the Armed Forces.

"Memorial Day is a special day to take pause and pay tribute to those brave men and women who lost their lives defending our country and preserving our way of life. As we enjoy these freedoms, it is important that we remember the men and women who courageously sacrificed their lives in service to the United States.

"As we honor our fallen heroes, let us not forget to recognize their Gold Star families who have also sacrificed and given so much to our great nation. The resolution I offer builds on a well-known saying within our Armed Forces: "The strength of our nation is our military. The strength of our military is their family.'

"I am humbled and inspired by the ultimate sacrifice made by so many Mississippians on behalf of our nation, and the families they left behind," Hyde-Smith said.

Gold Star Families Remembrance Week would serve as a prelude to Gold Star Mother's Day, which has been observed since 1936 on the last Sunday of September. There is no official date dedicated to families affected by the loss of a loved one who died in the service of the United States.

The introduction of S.Res.522 caps a week in which Hyde-Smith voted for final passage of the VA MISSION Act to improve service for veterans. She also introduced the Migratory Bird Framework and Hunting Opportunities for Veterans Act (S.2942), which would set aside the first weekend in February for duck hunting by youths, veterans, active duty members of the Armed Forces and National Guard.

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