A RESOLUTION ON RECOGNIZING GOLD STAR FATHERS’ DAY ON NOVEMBER 9 ANNUALLY IN ALL STATES
WHEREAS, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) supports the need to equally recognize Gold Star Fathers, whose loved ones have made the ultimate sacrifice so that Americans may continue to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness;
WHEREAS, the average age of the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen who sacrifice their lives for our freedom range from 18 to 25;
WHEREAS, a gold star is presented to parents, widows, widowers, and next of kin symbolizing a family member who died in the line of duty while serving in the Armed Forces;
WHEREAS, The Gold Star Mothers was founded by Grace Darling Seibold after her son, George Vaughn Seibold, was killed in action in World War I to comfort mothers who also lost their children to war and to care for hospitalized veterans;
WHEREAS the last Sunday in September is designated as “Gold Star Mother’s Day” under section 111 of title 36, United States Code; was first designated as “Gold Star Mother’s Day” under the Joint Resolution entitled “Joint Resolution designating the last Sunday in September as ‘Gold Star Mother’s Day’, and for other purposes”, approved June 23, 1936 (49 Stat. 1895);
WHEREAS, a Gold Star Father is a parent who lost a son or daughter while serving on Active Duty in the Armed Forces of the United States, or died as a result of such service;
WHEREAS, the NBCSL supports the Gold Star Fathers Act of 2014, which expanded preferred eligibility for federal jobs to the fathers of certain permanently disabled or deceased veterans, similar to mothers of such veterans who were already benefiting from preferential federal hiring practices; and
WHEREAS, the Georgia House of Representatives adopted Resolution 655 on March 1, 2018, a unanimous, bipartisan effort designating November 9 as Gold Star Father Day annually in the state of Georgia.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) recognizes the importance of equally acknowledging Gold Star Fathers and ensuring that their ultimate sacrifice is appropriately honored;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL shall never forget the sacrifices made by the families of fallen members of the Armed Forces, nor the families of veterans of the Armed Forces;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL urges the United States House of Representatives to pass similar legislation that will ensure Gold Star Fathers receive the same benefits, treatment, preferences, and considerations as Gold Star Mothers;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL calls upon Congress to take no action to repeal or weaken the Gold Star Fathers Act of 2014 (S. 2323);
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL strongly supports any and all issues pertaining to the care, concern, and essential well-being of Gold Star Fathers, which in turn extends to their families;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL recognize November 9 as Gold Star Father’s Day annually in all states; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, members of the United States House of Representatives, the United States Senate, and other federal and state government officials as appropriate.
- SPONSOR(S): Representative Rhonda Burnough (GA), Representative Michael Glanton (GA), Representative Sandra Scott (GA), Representative Bill Hitchens (GA), and Representative Al Williams (GA)
- Committee of Jurisdiction: Military and Veterans Affairs Policy Committee
- Certified by Committee Chair(s): Representative Clem Smith (MO) and Sharon Beasley-Teague (GA)
- Ratified in Plenary Session: Ratification Date is November 30, 2018
- Ratification is certified by: Representative Gregory W. Porter (IN), President