WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2365 the Gold Star Mothers Family Monument Extension Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) and Congressman Mike Waltz (FL-06) which extends the authorization for the establishment of a monument in honor of Gold Star families. The extended authorization will allow more time for the families to ensure the monument's construction and completion. Senators Cory Booker (NJ) and Bob Menendez (NJ) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
"Our Gold Star mothers and their families have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms, and it's a sacrifice we must never forget," said Congressman Kim. "In passing this bipartisan bill, we ensure those who gave everything in service to our country will always be remembered. I want to thank Judith Young for her incredible advocacy and Congressman Waltz for working alongside me to pass this important legislation."
Judith Young is the Chairman of the Gold Star Mothers National Monument Foundation, and a resident of Moorestown, NJ. She has tirelessly led the effort to honor the legacy of Gold Star Mothers, since she lost her son Jeffrey on October 23, 1983, when the Marine barracks where he was stationed in Beirut, Lebanon were attacked by a suicide bomber.
"The mothers of our service members sacrifice so much for our country as they nervously wait for the safe return of their sons or daughters," said Rep. Waltz. "Unfortunately, for some, a knock on their door can profoundly change their life as they become Gold Star mothers with the loss of a child. I'm proud to work with Rep. Kim to pass this bipartisan legislation in the House to help establish a monument honoring these mothers who, as Lincoln said, 'have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.'"
For over a century, the Gold Star tradition has reminded our nation of the sacrifices made by servicemembers and their families. The tradition goes back to World War I, where flags were displayed bearing a Blue Star representing a family member serving abroad, and a Gold Star for a family member who had been lost in combat.
The monument will be entirely sponsored by the Gold Star Mothers National Monument Foundation and will be built at no cost to the taxpayer. Once completed, it will be located in Washington, DC.
Congressman Kim is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Committee on Small Business. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website by clicking here.
Original source found here.
