LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 21, 2013 as Gold Star Families' Day in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, "Gold star mothers" is a term which came into general use with
the creation of service flags used to show that a family had a son in
the service (a blue star) or a son who had died in the service (a gold
star almost covering the blue star so that a rim of blue still shows);
mothers of slain servicemen came to be known as gold star mothers and,
through customary usage, the term has come to designate any mother whose
child has been lost in war; and
WHEREAS, A group of gold star mothers met in 1928 and formed the
organization American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. (AGSM) which continues to
support our military and has many activities which reflect that support;
and
WHEREAS, Many parents, both mothers and fathers, visit returning
servicemen and servicewomen in their local hospitals and Veterans Hospi-
tals, helping to ease their pain and devoting their time and efforts to
not only working in the hospital but to extending the hand of friendship
to mothers and fathers whose sons and daughters have lost their lives in
military service as well; and
WHEREAS, Through the bond of mutual love, sympathy, and support many
loyal, capable, and patriotic parents, while sharing their grief and
their pride, channel their time, efforts and gifts to lessening the pain
of others; and
WHEREAS, Gold Star families may be justly proud of standing tall,
proudly honoring our children, assisting our veterans, supporting our
nation, and healing with each other; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 21, 2013 as Gold
Star Families' Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.