HR 104 (LSB 5891HH (4) 83)

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 104

BY  SWEENEY, WINDSCHITL, ALONS, GAYMAN, ISENHART, ARNOLD, WHITEAD, BUKTA, KEARNS, FICKEN, VAN ENGELENHOVEN, WATTS, and CHAMBERS

A Resolution to honor the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.

   WHEREAS, the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., was founded as a patriotic service organization on February 2, 1942, to unite mothers who had sons or daughters in the United States armed forces; and
   WHEREAS, the nonpartisan, nonsectarian, and nondiscriminatory nonprofit organization was chartered by the Congress of the United States in 1960; and
   WHEREAS, persons eligible for membership in the organization include mothers and stepmothers who have sons or daughters who are currently serving in the United States military or who are honorably discharged veterans; and
   WHEREAS, the work of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., includes providing support for active duty service personnel and their families, promoting patriotism, and assisting various veterans organizations such as the American Gold Star Mothers; and
   WHEREAS, the work of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., is increasingly important with more than 450,000 members of the United States Army Reserve components having been called to active service around the world since 2001; and
   WHEREAS, the dedication, sacrifice, and hard work of the devoted members of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., merit recognition; and
   WHEREAS, the Blue Star Service flag is the official banner authorized by the United States Department of Defense for display by families who have members serving in the United States armed forces during a period of war or armed conflict the nation may be engaged in for the duration of such hostilities; and
   WHEREAS, the Blue Star Service flag was designed and patented by World War I Army Captain Robert L. Queisser of the 5th Ohio Infantry, who had two sons serving on the front lines and the flag quickly became an unofficial symbol of a child in service; NOW THEREFORE,

   BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That the House of Representatives recognizes and celebrates the history and contributions of Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., and honor their sacrifice and dedication to our nation.