Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, this week, we honor Gold Star Mothers and the families of our fallen servicemembers. Gold Star Mother's Day, observed on the last Sunday of September, is a tribute to the valor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Nation and the immense pain their families endure. The Gold Star symbol originated during World War I when families displayed blue stars for their loved ones in the military. When a servicemember was lost, families would replace the blue star with a gold star, a poignant representation of the profound loss experienced by these families. It is a symbol of love, loss, and sacrifice. While we may never know the exact number of Gold Star families, the national Gold Star Family Registry reports at least 472,259 fallen military members are honored by loved ones. In Virginia alone, at least 9,640 servicemembers have been recognized. Today and every day, we remember the bravery of our fallen heroes and acknowledge the tremendous sacrifice made by their mothers, fathers, siblings, and loved ones. Their families endured unimaginable pain, yet they show incredible resilience and strength. Their sacrifice shapes their lives and reminds us of the true cost of freedom. As we honor Gold Star Mothers, we extend our deepest gratitude to all military families. They are the backbone of our Armed Forces, supporting their loved ones through deployments and navigating uncertainty with resilience.…”