Hinds Today

U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) announced the Senate's approval of their bipartisan resolution to designate Sept. 22-28, 2024, as Gold Star Families Remembrance Week. The resolution (S.Res.884) received unanimous consent late Wednesday.

The initiative aims to provide a week of national recognition for the families of U.S. military servicemembers who have died in service to the country. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) has been a long-time supporter of this legislation.

“Gold Star families embody patriotism at its greatest depths, having endured the loss of a loved one in service to our country. Their pain is a solemn reminder of the price of freedom,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “It is our duty as Americans to honor their bravery and the unparalleled sacrifices made for our nation, and I am proud to have worked with Senator Warnock to pass this bipartisan resolution.”

Senator Warnock added, “Our nation is forever indebted to the brave servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms. And their families, who also sacrificed immensely, deserve our nation’s recognition and steadfast support.” He continued, “I am proud to once again work with Senator Hyde-Smith to recognize Gold Star Families Remembrance Week and honor the families of the servicemembers who sacrificed everything to keep our country safe. As the proud son of a veteran, I’ll always be a champion for our servicemembers, veterans and Gold Star families.”

Bonnie Carroll, President and Founder of TAPS, expressed gratitude towards both senators: “The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) appreciates Senators Hyde-Smith and Warnock for introducing the 2024 Gold Star Families Resolution to designate a full week to honor all of our nation’s Gold Star families.” She emphasized that while Memorial Day honors fallen servicemembers, Gold Star Families Remembrance Week provides an opportunity "to honor surviving military families themselves for their service and sacrifice."

Hyde-Smith first introduced this resolution in 2018, marking it as a historic step towards formally recognizing the sacrifices made by these families on a national level. Since 2021, she has jointly introduced it with Senator Warnock.

This year's observance will follow Gold Star Mother’s Day on September's last Sunday—a tradition upheld by presidential proclamation since 1936.