Yakima Times

Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) has introduced the Gold Star Families Remembrance Week Resolution, with the support of 44 members of Congress. The resolution aims to honor the sacrifices made by families of U.S. military servicemembers who lost their lives in service to the nation. It designates September 22-28, 2024, as Gold Star Families Remembrance Week.

“Our service members and their families have made great sacrifices in service to their country, and it is important that they are not forgotten,” said Rep. Newhouse.

Newhouse added, “By designating September 22-28 as Gold Star Families Remembrance Week, we recognize the extraordinary courage and resilience of our Gold Star Families and reflect on those we have lost. These families bear an unimaginable burden—enduring the loss of their loved ones who gave their lives in service to our nation—and we have a responsibility to ensure their memory is preserved.”

Gold Star Family members expressed support for the resolution:

“I am very pleased that Congress is choosing to recognize Gold Star Families Remembrance Week. Every Memorial Day, we honor our warriors who gave their lives in defense of America. We should also honor the families of those fallen warriors, who stood behind them as they served, suffered the pain of their loss, then picked up the pieces and carried on," said Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Hank Cramer from Washington.

Karen Oberg from California stated: “I was just a year old when my father was declared Missing in Action in December 1945 in Germany. I have no memory of him but would like to honor his legacy by sharing his story with others who want to know the experiences of Gold Star families.”

Walt Linne from Indiana shared: “My brother had just turned one and I was two and a half when our father was killed... From that letter, and in that moment, we knew our dad was a hero and we brought him off the shelf and back into life.”

Robert James Johnston from Tennessee reflected: “In 2022... I further realized that the supreme sacrifice by my father and its effect on our family was not in vain.”

Mike Logan from Tennessee commented: “Since I was only two when my Dad went missing... David, my brother, and I grew up loving the same things our Dad did."

Carol Brenneman Reed from California remarked: "Being a Gold Star family member signifies profound sacrifice and loss as we bear the enduring grief of losing a loved one in service to the nation."

Maj. Paul K. Blissenbach US Army (Retired) from Kentucky noted: "Ellen Marie Blissenbach handled her loss by joining the Gold Star Wives of America..."

Army veteran Thomas Barrett from Maryland mentioned: "Losing my father... His absence left a profound void..."

Tony Cordero from California observed: "During Gold Star Families Remembrance Week... Yet they moved forward supporting each other..."

Barbara and Col. Mark Roland (USAF, Retired) from Kentucky emphasized: "We gratefully support this resolution to honor and remember..."

Elaine M. Roach from California stated: "There is no greater love than this: that a person would lay down his life for the sake of his country."

The co-sponsors include Reps. Andy Barr (R-KY), Mike Bost (R-IL), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Jake Ellzey (R-TX), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Mike Flood (R-NE), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Mark Green (R-TN), Michael Guest (R-MS), Young Kim (R-CA), Greg Lopez (R-CO), Julia Letlow (R-LA), Nick LaLota (R-NY), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Greg Murphy (R-NC), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Greg Steube (R-FL). Glenn Thompson(R-PA). Daniel Webster(R-FL). Roger Williams(R-TX). Brandon Williams(R-NY). David Valadao(R-CA). Salud Carbajal(D-CA). Jim Costa(D-CA). Chris Deluzio(D-PA). Don Davis(D-NC). Josh Harder(D-CA). Glenn Ivey(D-MD). Derek Kilmer(D-WA). William Keating(D-MA). Joe Morelle(D-NY). Kathy Manning(D-NC).

Wiley Nickel(D-NC)

Scott Peters

Deborah Ross

Linda Sanchez

Paul Tonko

Juan Vargas