Bill > HR310

This resolution designates September 28, 2025, as "Gold Star Mother's and Family Day" in Pennsylvania, recognizing the profound sacrifice and grief experienced by families who have lost military service members. The resolution provides historical context, explaining that during World War I, families displayed a Service Flag with blue stars representing each immediate family member serving in the military, and when a service member died in combat, the blue star was replaced with a gold star. It highlights the origin of the term "Gold Star Mother" through Grace Darling Seibold, who founded American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. after losing her son George Vaughn Seibold during World War I. The resolution notes that President Woodrow Wilson first used the term, and in 1936, Congress designated the last Sunday of September as "Gold Star Mother's Day". In 2011, President Barack Obama expanded the designation to "Gold Star Mother's and Family Day" to acknowledge the broader impact of military loss on families, including parents, siblings, and children. By passing this resolution, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives aims to honor and commemorate the families who have experienced the ultimate sacrifice in military service.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=R&bn=310