Brown Honored by Gold Star Wives

Statement

Yesterday, the Gold Star Wives of America, a nationwide organization of more than 10,000 widows and widowers whose spouses have died while on active duty or as a result of a service connected cause, presented Congressman Henry E. Brown, Jr. (R-SC) with the 2010 Appreciation Award for his dedicated work on behalf of military survivors. The awards reception, held on the 65th anniversary of the Gold Star Wives of America, honored Congressman Brown along with Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Upon receiving the award Brown made the following remarks:

"It is truly a humbling experience to be recognized by the Gold Star Wives and I am honored to be acknowledged in the company of Admiral Mike Mullen, whose dedication to our nation's armed services and their families is unparalleled.

As a ten-year member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, my responsibility lies not only with veterans, but also with the families of these brave warriors. I have tried to make military survivors a priority from the start and I have enjoyed working with and getting to know the Gold Star Wives.

These women have stood with their husbands as they fought for our country and have endured the great sacrifice of losing a loved one; for that, I believe this country owes them more than just a "thank you'. We must never forget the families of those who have died risking their life to protect our country and it is our duty to support their wives and children after they are gone."

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