Gold Star Family Awareness Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, in 1947, Congress enacted Public Law 80-306 which directed the issuance of Gold Star Lapel Buttons to family members who had lost their active-duty servicemen and women; and

WHEREAS, in 1973, an approved Next of Kin Lapel Button, referred to as the Next of Kin Pin, was provided to the families of service members who lost their lives while serving on active duty or while serving in a drill status as a member of the National Guard or Reserves but not killed in action; and

WHEREAS, the families of service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice deserve our respect, gratitude, and the very best support we can provide for as long as they desire; and

WHEREAS, we are “The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave” because of the devotion to duty of the men and women in uniform who put themselves in harm’s way to defend the people they love and the land they cherish, and it is with great pride and humble hearts that we pay tribute to them; and

WHEREAS, as beneficiaries of those who died while ensuring better lives for us all, we vow never to forget the great price paid for our freedoms and safety; and

WHEREAS, we remember and reflect on the great Patriots, realizing that all gave some, but some gave all; and

WHEREAS, we commemorate the contributions, commitment, and sacrifice of the Gold Star Families as they sit at tables with empty chairs, maintain the fabric of this great nation in the form of folded flags over their mantels, as they continue to embody the values of honor, courage, and commitment that exemplified their loved ones;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize May 2023, as GOLD STAR FAMILY AWARENESS MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations