Sponsored by:
Assemblyman RYAN E. PETERS
District 8 (Atlantic, Burlington and Camden)
Assemblyman BRIAN BERGEN
District 25 (Morris and Somerset)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblyman Thomson
SYNOPSIS
Designates last Sunday in January of each year as “Gold Star Father’s Day.”
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating the last Sunday in January of each year as “Gold Star Father’s Day.”
Whereas, Many fathers enjoy a close bond with their children and, in the event a child dies while serving our nation, the ensuing grief can be overwhelming; and
Whereas, The pain accompanying the loss of a child is something no father should ever have to know; and
Whereas, Their sons and daughters bravely joined a cause greater than themselves and journeyed to far corners of the globe to advance the cause of freedom and democracy abroad; and
Whereas, The tradition of the Gold Star dates back to World War I when families flew flags with gold stars as a sign they had lost a loved one fighting in the war; and
Whereas, Gold Star Fathers continue to inspire us with their strength and determination by working in our communities through organizations such as Gold Star Dads of America; and
Whereas, Gold Star Dads of America honors fallen service members, supports military families in their loss, and assists those who have recently returned from active service; and
Whereas, This State continues to remember its fallen and the families they left behind by constructing the New Jersey Gold Star Family Monument and by holding an annual POW/MIA Gold Star Mothers Recognition Ceremony at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel, New Jersey; and
Whereas, Americans will never forget the ultimate sacrifice made by members of our armed forces and the devastating impact this loss has on their families; and
Whereas, Although the debt this nation owes to Gold Star Fathers can never be repaid, we will continue to support our veterans and stand by our military fathers as they cope with unthinkable tragedy; and
Whereas, The State believes it is proper to set aside a day to honor this extraordinary group of fathers so that their sacrifices are properly acknowledged; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The last Sunday in January of each year is designated as “Gold Star Father’s Day” to honor the sacrifice of Gold Star Fathers who have lost children serving in the United States Armed Forces
2. The Governor is
respectfully requested to issue an annual proclamation calling upon public
officials and citizens of this State to observe “Gold Star Father’s Day” with
appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This resolution designates the last Sunday in January of each year as “Gold Star Father’s Day” to honor the sacrifice of Gold Star Fathers who have lost children serving in the United States Armed Forces. This resolution also requests that the Governor issue an annual proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of this State to observe “Gold Star Father’s Day” with appropriate activities and programs.
Fathers, just like mothers, wives, and children, are profoundly impacted by the loss of a loved one serving our nation. Despite their pain and sorrow, Gold Star Fathers continue to inspire us through the work they do in our communities. Organizations such as Gold Star Dads of America help fathers find purpose in the aftermath of tragedy by honoring fallen soldiers, supporting military families, and assisting members of the armed forces returning home. Here in New Jersey, the sacrifices of Gold Star Families are not forgotten. The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel, New Jersey is home to the State’s Gold Star Families Monument and the host of an annual POW/MIA Gold Star Mothers Recognition Ceremony. Elsewhere, our municipalities take time to remember service members by erecting monuments and holding ceremonies honoring the memory of the fallen.
Americans will never forget the sacrifices Gold Star Fathers have made to ensure their peace and security. Although the debt this nation owes to them can never be repaid, we will continue to show our gratitude and support as they cope with unthinkable tragedy. These parents are among the best our nation has to offer as they have raised children who willingly risked their lives for a cause greater than themselves. For these reasons, the State believes it is proper to recognize this extraordinary group of fathers by dedicating a day in their honor.