A house RESOLUTION

TO DESIGNATE FEBRUARY 1, 2023, AS "BLUE STAR MOTHER'S DAY" IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO COMMEND THE BLUE STAR MOTHERS OF AMERICA, INC., FOR THEIR DEDICATED LABORS IN SUPPORTING OUR ARMED FORCES AS THESE COURAGEOUS MEN AND WOMEN PROVIDE FOR THE DEFENSE OF THE UNITED STATES.

Whereas, on January 22, 1942, in the midst of World War II, Army Captain George Maines ran an advertisement in the Flint News-Advertiser calling for mothers of members of our country's armed forces to meet; and

Whereas, on February 1, 1942, three hundred mothers of members of our armed forces held their first meeting at the Durant Hotel in Flint, Michigan. February 1, 2023, is the eighty-first anniversary of that first meeting; and

Whereas, on July 14, 1960, the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., received its charter from Congress; and

Whereas, Blue Star Mothers make enormous sacrifices while their sons and daughters are providing for the defense of the United States; and

Whereas, Blue Star Mothers pack and ship thousands of care packages every year to members of the armed forces deployed overseas, volunteer to help homeless veterans, provide support for wounded warriors, visit hospitalized veterans, honor fallen heroes during funeral services, and offer a compassionate community for the mothers of men and women of the armed forces serving in harm's way; and

Whereas, in addition, Blue Star Mothers promote the values of the United States, demonstrate a patriotic spirit, and advance a national sense of pride and appreciation for the men and women of the armed forces; and

Whereas, throughout the United States, there are more than two hundred chapters of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., including three in South Carolina, representing thousands of military families. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, designate February 1, 2023, as "Blue Star Mother's Day" in the State of South Carolina and commend the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., for their dedicated labors in supporting our armed forces as these courageous men and women provide for the defense of the United States.

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