By The Leader Staff
Assemblyman Rudy Salas honors Gold Star mothers and families.
Assemblyman Rudy Salas honors Gold Star mothers and families.

Kings County’s Assemblyman Rudy Salas joined Gold Star mothers and families in the state capitol as the Legislature, with unanimous support, proclaimed September 25th, 2022, as Gold Star Mothers and Families Day in California in honor of their ultimate sacrifice and dedication to the United States.

“In recognizing Gold Star Mothers and Families, we honor the memory of fallen soldiers who sacrificed everything to protect our freedom,’ said Salas. ‘Star Mothers and Families have dedicated themselves to helping those who have lost loved ones in the military. This incredible network of support is a testament to the strength and patriotism of our Gold Star families. While many of us will never understand the pain of their loss, it is our duty to continue to recognize them and offer our unending support.”

The United States began observing Gold Star Mother’s Day on the last Sunday of September in 1936 to offer support for mothers who lost their sons or daughters during the war. For nearly a century, the Gold Star tradition reminds Americans of the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives for their country.

“A hero remembered never dies, and these types of honors keep their memory alive,” said Rosalia Verbeek, a local Gold Star Mother. “Gold Star family members are blessed to have Assemblymember Rudy Salas recognize their sacrifice.”

Gold Star Mothers were named after the Gold Star that families hung in their windows in honor of a lost service member. The organization was founded upon the work of Grace Darling Seibold during World War I, who lost her son in combat. Grace devoted her time and efforts to working with returning service members and extending a hand of friendship to other mothers who had lost their sons in military service.

On June 4, 1928, twenty-five mothers met in Washington, DC, to establish the American Gold Star Mothers organization based on the principles of love, sympathy, and support for those patriotic mothers, as Grace Darling Seibold demonstrated.