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IMMEDIATE RELEASE THURSDAY, October 22, 2009
MISSOURI CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION HONORS SACRIFICES MADE BY ARMED FORCES,
SUPPORTS MILITARY FAMILIES
Delegation Introduces Resolution to Declare May 1st National Silver Star Service Banner Day
H. Res 855
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Missouri Congressional Delegation today introduced a resolution to honor the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces and in support of our military families. Introduced in both the House and Senate, the resolution would declare May 1st national Silver Star Service Banner Day.
Silver Star Families of America (SSFoA) is a national non-profit program headquartered in Clever, Missouri that remembers, honors, and assists members of the Armed Forces and their families from every branch of service and from all wars and their families. SSFoA provides assistance to veterans who have suffered physical or emotional trauma from war and distributes Silver Star Flags and care packages to wounded veterans and their families. If signed into law, the resolution introduced today would create a national Silver Star Service Banner Day on May 1st, commemorative ceremonies would be held country-wide to honor the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces and their families. Even more importantly, the National day would encourage grateful Americans to help the brave men and women in uniform who are now in need of assistance after returning home from combat.
With today’s bipartisan introduction of the national Silver Star Service Banner Day resolution, Missouri’s Congressional Delegation follows the state’s proud history in honoring our nation’s Armed Forces. Earlier this year, Missouri became the first state in the country to enact Silver Star Service Banner Day. Since then, many states have followed suit and 1,847 cities and counties across the country have designated May 1st as “Silver Star Service Banner Day.”
This resolution is supported by the entire Missouri delegation, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the League of Cities, the United States Conference of Mayors, the Association of Counties, the Marine Corp League and the Forty and Eight.
“We must never forget the men and women who have dedicated their lives to defending our freedom,” said Senator Kit Bond. “It is only fitting our country designates Silver Star Banner Day to honor the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families and to encourage a grateful nation to give service back to these dedicated heroes.”
“For the thousands of men and women who put their lives on the line for our country and returned wounded and ill, their sacrifices are great and it’s vital that their bravery is acknowledged and appreciated,” Senator Claire McCaskill said. “This special day will honor the sacrifices of America’s wounded and ill service members and veterans and helps support the Silver Star Family of America’s important mission to keep their memory alive.”
“Across Missouri and the nation, Silver Star Families of America work each day to honor those who have served or made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedoms,” said Congressman Roy Blunt, “Silver Star Service Banner Day will be a day where we as a nation can pause to honor the sacrifices of our veterans and their families and remind them of our nation’s support during times of war and times of peace. The banners they hang serve as striking reminders of their service, and on Silver Star Service Banner Day, we’ll honor each of these families to whom we owe so much.”
Congressman Ike Skelton said, “The brave servicemen and women who put their lives on the line for our country deserve our deepest respect and gratitude. By improving quality of life issues, particularly for wounded service members and their families, we show them how grateful we are for their sacrifices. I am honored to introduce the Silver Star Service Banner Day resolution with fellow Missourian, Congressman Roy Blunt, and thank my colleagues from Missouri for joining us in this bipartisan effort.”
“As the father of three sons who have or are serving in the United States Military and as ranking member of the Sea Power Subcommittee, I fully support the idea of Silver Star Banner Day,” said Congressman Todd Akin, “It is incumbent upon us all to assist our military men and women not only during their active service, but also when they return home. Our veterans have offered all in service to protect our freedoms and it is the right and proper thing to do to offer our support whenever they need it.”
“America’s service members and veterans have served our country with great honor and deserve the very best that we can provide,” said Congressman Russ Carnahan. “The Silver Star Families of America is a powerful example of private citizens organizing to correctly honor the great sacrifices of our veterans and assuring that we never forget their noble service to our nation.”
Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay said, “I am pleased to join my colleagues in this bipartisan effort to assist our brave veterans and their families who support them. Our commitment to help those who bear the burden of defending freedom does not end when they take off the uniform. We will continue to stand with them and their families. I am honored to join the effort to establish Silver Star Service Banner Day.”
Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II said, “As our men and women in uniform go into the field we all pray, with their families, that they remain safe and unharmed. While fatalities have mercifully decreased, the number of brave warriors returning home with life changing injuries has risen. Parades and honors will never restore a lost limb or a changed personality. For their ongoing sacrifice, and the sacrifice of their loving families, our nation owes each and every one of our brave defenders of freedom the best care in the world for as long as it is needed. That is our nation’s covenant with our veterans, and I am happy to co-sponsor this bill that strengthens that bond.”
“I’m very proud to join this effort to recognize the work of an organization founded in Missouri to support wounded, ill or dying servicemembers,” said Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson, “I deeply appreciate the service of the Silver Star Families of America to the members of the armed forces who serve and sacrifice for us all. There is a deep tradition in our state of respect for and responsibility to our servicemembers and veterans – and my colleague Roy Blunt’s effort to recognize a unique and valued part of our service to members of all branches of the armed forces is rooted in that tradition.”
“It is important that we recognize the service and sacrifice of our troops. However we should not forget the sacrifices continue even after the tour of duty ends. The work that is done for families and veterans by the Silver Star Families of America should be recognized and commended. Volunteer organizations like this are an important part of the American spirit,” said Congressman Sam Graves.
Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer said, “I am extremely proud to support the Silver Star Families of America because it provides us with a shining example of how we can all work together to help our men and women in uniform and their families during difficult times. The sacrifices made by our Armed Forces and their families must never be forgotten and by offering a helping hand through outstanding programs like the Silver Star Families of America we are doing just that. I am extremely honored to join my Missouri colleagues from both sides of the aisle in support of this important resolution.”
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Media Contacts for the Missouri Congressional Delegation:
Shana Marchio (Bond) – (202) 224-0309
Burson Taylor Snyder (Blunt) – (202) 225-6536
Maria Speiser (McCaskill) – (202) 228-6263
Steve Taylor (Akin) – (314) 590-0029
Sara Howard (Carnahan) – (314) 374-0033
Steve Engelhardt (Clay) – (314) 504-4029
Danny Rotert (Cleaver) – (816) 519-2011
Jeffrey Connor (Emerson) – (202) 225-4404
Jason Klindt (Graves) – (816) 792-3976
Paul Sloca (Luetkemeyer) – (573) 208-0281
Rebecca Loving (Skelton) – (202) 225-2876
CONGRESSMAN BARTLETT from MD is also supporting SSBD
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