SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 619
	WHEREAS, The observance of Gold Star Spouses Day on April
	5, 2017, provides an opportunity to reflect on the courage and
	resilience of the spouses of those who made the ultimate
	sacrifice in service to our country; and
	WHEREAS, During World War I, American families began to
	display the Blue Star Service Banner to signal that a family
	member was serving in the nation's military; if a loved one was
	killed in action, a gold star was placed over the blue, and the
	term "Gold Star" came to be used to recognize the family members
	affected by such a grievous loss; and
	WHEREAS, The Gold Star Wives of America was founded in
	1945, with the assistance of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, to aid
	widows and children left behind by fallen members of the nation's
	military; the group conducted its first meeting on April 5 of
	that year; today, the organization continues to offer services,
	support, and friendship to the families of those who have died on
	active duty or as a result of a service-connected disability; and
	WHEREAS, In 2010, Congress proclaimed December 18, 2010,
	as the first Gold Star Wives Day; the observance of Gold Star
	Spouses Day now takes place on April 5 of each year to acknowledge
	the quiet heroism of those who carry on with strength and
	fortitude, cherishing the memory of a loved one who has perished
	while protecting our freedom; and
	WHEREAS, Our state and nation are fortunate to have sons
	and daughters whose love of country leads them to military
	service, yet the burdens these men and women assume may entail a
	terrible cost; to those members of the armed forces who have paid
	the greatest price, every American owes an eternal debt of
	remembrance and gratitude; at the same time as we honor the
	fallen, who gave their all in behalf of their country, we pay
	tribute to their spouses, whose dignity, grace, and patriotism
	continue to be an inspiration to us all; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
	Legislature, hereby recognize April 5, 2017, as Gold Star Spouses
	Day and encourage all Texans to keep the meaning of this day
	forever in their hearts.
	Menéndez, Campbell,
	Uresti, Zaffirini
	Bettencourt Hinojosa Perry
	Birdwell Huffines Rodríguez
	Buckingham Huffman Schwertner
	Burton Hughes Seliger
	Creighton Kolkhorst Taylor of Collin
	Estes Lucio Taylor of Galveston
	Garcia Miles Watson
	Hall Nelson West
	Hancock Nichols Whitmire
	Patrick, President of the Senate
		________________________________
		President of the Senate
		I hereby certify that the
		above Resolution was adopted by
		the Senate on April 12, 2017.
		________________________________
		Secretary of the Senate
		________________________________
		Member, Texas Senate
		________________________________
		Member, Texas Senate
		________________________________
		Member, Texas Senate
		________________________________
		Member, Texas Senate