WHEREAS, Gold Star Wives of America, Inc., is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit national military widows/widowers service organization dedicated solely to the needs, concerns, and welfare of surviving spouses and dependent children; and

WHEREAS, the organization was first incorporated in New York on December 15, 1945, as the Gold Star Wives of World War II, and was renamed Gold Star Wives of America, Inc., in 1947; and

WHEREAS, early organizers and founding members including First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt saw the organization as one for and by military surviving spouses to collectively work to preserve and enhance benefits for U.S. military spouses and children as well as to help them face the future with courage and determination while honoring the memory of those military spouses who made the ultimate sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, on December 4, 1980, Gold Star Wives of America was granted a federal charter by Congress, recognizing the organization as being “unique” and capable of providing a service not available from any other organizations; and

WHEREAS, the nonprofit is made up of Gold Star family members including widows and widowers whose spouses died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, or as a result of service-connected disabilities; the widows and widowers of service personnel of all armed conflicts involving the United States; and the children whose parents gave their lives in service of our country; and

WHEREAS, the phrase “Gold Star Family” began during World War I when military families displayed service flags featuring a blue star for every immediate family member serving in the Armed Forces. The star's color would be changed to gold if the family lost a loved one in the war. Individual military family members who lost a loved one also started being referred to as “Gold Star Wives” or “Gold Star Mothers”; and

WHEREAS, members of Gold Star Wives of America appear before various U.S. House and Senate committees on issues concerning compensation, educational benefits, medical care, and other programs pertaining to the welfare of military survivors; and

WHEREAS, Gold Star Wives of America will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2022.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE 2ND SESSION OF THE 58TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:

THAT the Oklahoma State Senate recognizes and celebrates the 75th anniversary of Gold Star Wives of America.

THAT the Oklahoma State Senate thanks Gold Star Wives of America for their dedication to helping their fellow Gold Star families get the benefits and support they need.

THAT a copy of this resolution be distributed to the Oklahoma Chapter of the Gold Star Wives of America.