LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 21, 2012, as Blue Star Families' Day in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. is a support organization
for mothers of children serving or who have served in the military, and
it dates back to World War II; and
WHEREAS, The blue star flag was created in 1917 by an Army captain
from Ohio, and it quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in
service; the organization itself was conceived during World War II in
1942; and
WHEREAS, The symbol of the blue star surrounded by a red rectangle
represents hope and pride; Blue Star Mothers perform volunteer duties on
the home front, and work in hospitals and civil defense; and
WHEREAS, Blue Star Mothers is named after the signature blue stars
that mothers hang in windows when their children are called to service,
both stateside or overseas; and
WHEREAS, During World War II, there were approximately 30,000 Blue
Star Mothers, and several thousand during the Korean and Vietnam wars
but national membership dropped to an all-time low of 1,200 during the
1990s; and
WHEREAS, In recent years, Blue Star Mothers has gained 217 chapters
with troops deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere; anxious mothers
of servicemen and women are forming chapters nationwide, including the
first Capital Region Blue Star Mothers group; and
WHEREAS, Darlene Ward and Kay Moody established New York State's
second Blue Star chapter located in Delmar, with the first being in
Rochester, to encourage their children as well as be around other mili-
tary parents, who better understand their worries and feelings; and
WHEREAS, In December of 2006, the small group of mothers met and
discussed the issues families face when their sons and daughters go off
to war; in addition to supporting the needs of all parents in the area,
the members support the troops by sending Freedom Boxes, cards and wish-
es, and they participate in veterans' projects on a regular basis; and
WHEREAS, The charter for the Capital Region No. 2 Chapter was approved
on February 6, 2007; since December of 2006, the membership has grown to
135 new members; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 21, 2012, as Blue
Star Families' Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York; and Janet Moran, President, Capital Region No. 2 Chapter, Blue
Star Mothers of America.