HR 9051

1	House Resolution
2	A resolution recognizing the history and contributions of
3	the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., patriotic service
4	organization, and designating May 2011 as "Blue Star
5	Mothers of America Month" in Florida.
6
7	WHEREAS, the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., was
8	founded as a patriotic service organization on February 2, 1942,
9	to unite mothers who had sons or daughters serving in the United
10	States Armed Forces, and
11	WHEREAS, the nonpartisan, nonsectarian, and
12	nondiscriminatory nonprofit organization was chartered by the
13	United States Congress in 1960, and
14	WHEREAS, persons eligible for membership in the
15	organization include mothers and stepmothers who have sons or
16	daughters currently serving in the United States military or who
17	are honorably discharged veterans, and
18	WHEREAS, other family members and friends of military
19	personnel or veterans are eligible to become associate members
20	of the organization, and fathers of military personnel or
21	veterans may join the branch of the organization known as the
22	Dad's Association, and
23	WHEREAS, the work of Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.,
24	includes providing support for active duty service personnel and
25	their families, promoting patriotism, and assisting various
26	veterans organizations such as the American Gold Star Mothers,
27	Inc., and
28	WHEREAS, with more than 450,000 members of the United
29	States Army Reserve components having been called to active
30	service around the world since 2001, the work of the Blue Star
31	Mothers of America, Inc., has become increasingly important, and
32	the dedication, sacrifice, and hard work of the devoted members
33	of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., merits the
34	recognition of all our citizens, and
35	WHEREAS, the United States Department of Defense has
36	authorized the Blue Star Service Flag as the official banner to
37	be displayed by families who have members serving in the United
38	States Armed Forces during a period of war or armed conflict in
39	which the nation is engaged for the duration of such
40	hostilities, and
41	WHEREAS, designed and patented by World War I Army Captain
42	Robert L. Queisser of the 5th Ohio Infantry who had two sons
43	serving on the front lines, the Blue Star Service Flag quickly
44	became an unofficial symbol of families with a child in military
45	service, and
46	WHEREAS, it is fitting and appropriate that the Blue Star
47	Mothers of America, Inc., be recognized for their invaluable
48	contributions to our nation, NOW, THEREFORE,
49
50	Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of
51	Florida:
52
53	That the House of Representatives of the State of Florida
54	recognizes and celebrates the history and contributions of Blue
55	Star Mothers of America, Inc., designates May 2011 as "Blue Star
56	Mothers of America Month" in Florida, and encourages all
57	citizens of the state to take time during that month to honor
58	and recognize the dedication and sacrifice of this important and
59	worthwhile organization.
60	BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be
61	presented to Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., as a tangible
62	token of the sentiments expressed herein.

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.