Commemoration Measure Passed Senate Unanimously in March
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate unanimously passed U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Ted Budd’s (R-NC) bipartisan resolution to designate today, April 5, 2024, as Gold Star Wives Day. The resolution honors the sacrifices made by the spouses and families of fallen members of the United States Armed Forces.
“The loved ones of our fallen servicemembers experience a sense of loss and grief that few will ever know. We must always commemorate their sacrifice while also honoring the incredible courage and resilience it demands of the spouses, children and parents left behind. This resolution helps extend to these Gold Star families the eternal gratitude they are owed by those of us who enjoy the freedoms so many American heroes have given their lives to protect,” said Boozman.
“We will never be able to repay our brave servicemen and women and their families who have paid the ultimate price to protect our beloved country. West Virginians and Americans are forever grateful to these heroic patriots, and I’m proud to lead this bipartisan resolution to designate April 5, 2024 as Gold Star Wives Day to honor their dedication and sacrifice. Gayle and I extend our deepest condolences and profound gratitude to every Gold Star family and spouse,” said Manchin.
“We are forever indebted to all those who lay down their lives to protect and defend us. We often forget the sacrifice that military families also bear. That’s why I’m proud to help pass a bipartisan resolution honoring Gold Star spouses. I would like to extend the gratitude and condolences of all North Carolinians to the spouses of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” Budd said.
On April 5, 1945, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt convened the first meeting of the Gold Star Wives of America, a congressionally-chartered nonprofit to acknowledge the incredible sacrifices of the families of those who died in service during World War II.
Boozman has also introduced bipartisan legislation that would adjust monthly benefits for family members and survivors of veterans who lost their lives in service to our country. The Caring for Survivors Act of 2023 will bring parity to payments for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) recipients, which currently lag behind other federal program payments by nearly 12 percent. The bill is supported by Gold Star Wives of America.
The full text of the resolution can be found here.