House Resolution 104 - Introduced 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, 1 Inc. 2 WHEREAS, the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., was 3 founded as a patriotic service organization on February 4 2, 1942, to unite mothers who had sons or daughters in 5 the United States armed forces; and 6 WHEREAS, the nonpartisan, nonsectarian, and 7 nondiscriminatory nonprofit organization was chartered 8 by the Congress of the United States in 1960; and 9 WHEREAS, persons eligible for membership in the 10 organization include mothers and stepmothers who have 11 sons or daughters who are currently serving in the 12 United States military or who are honorably discharged 13 veterans; and 14 WHEREAS, the work of the Blue Star Mothers of 15 America, Inc., includes providing support for 16 active duty service personnel and their families, 17 promoting patriotism, and assisting various veterans 18 organizations such as the American Gold Star 19 Mothers; and 20 WHEREAS, the work of the Blue Star Mothers of 21 America, Inc., is increasingly important with more 22 than 450,000 members of the United States Army Reserve 23 components having been called to active service around 24 the world since 2001; and 25 WHEREAS, the dedication, sacrifice, and hard work 26 -1- LSB 5891HH (4) 83 jr/nh 1/ 2

H.R. 104 of the devoted members of the Blue Star Mothers of 27 America, Inc., merit recognition; and 28 WHEREAS, the Blue Star Service flag is the official 1 banner authorized by the United States Department 2 of Defense for display by families who have members 3 serving in the United States armed forces during a 4 period of war or armed conflict the nation may be 5 engaged in for the duration of such hostilities; and 6 WHEREAS, the Blue Star Service flag was designed and 7 patented by World War I Army Captain Robert L. Queisser 8 of the 5th Ohio Infantry, who had two sons serving 9 on the front lines and the flag quickly became an 10 unofficial symbol of a child in service; NOW THEREFORE, 11 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That 12 the House of Representatives recognizes and celebrates 13 the history and contributions of Blue Star Mothers of 14 America, Inc., and honor their sacrifice and dedication 15 to our nation. 16 -2- LSB 5891HH (4) 83 jr/nh 2/ 2