LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 12, 2014, as Blue Star Families' Day in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. dates back to World War II
and is a support organization for mothers of children serving or who
have served in the United States military; and
WHEREAS, The blue star flag was created in 1917 by an Army captain
from Ohio; 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 on civil defense; and
WHEREAS, The Blue Star Mothers organization is named after the signa-
ture blue stars mothers hang in their windows when their children are
called to service, either 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;
national membership, however, 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 in Delmar, the first having been in Rochester,
to encourage their children and to meet other military parents with whom
they have much in common; and
WHEREAS, In December 2006, the small group of mothers met and
discussed issues families face when their sons and daughters go off to
war; in addition to supporting the needs of parents in the area, the
members support the troops, sending Freedom Boxes, cards and good wish-
es; they also 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 2006, its membership has grown to
135 members; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 12, 2014, 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 to Janet Moran, President, Capital Region No. 2 Chapter, Blue
Star Mothers of America.