ASSEMBLY CLEARS CONNERS/CRUZ PEREZ BILL TO HONOR NEW JERSEY MILITARY MOTHERS

Measure Would Designate Last Sunday of September To Recognize Gold Star Mothers

(TRENTON) - The Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee today released legislation Assemblyman Jack Conners and Assemblywoman Nilsa Cruz-Perez sponsored to designate the last Sunday in September of each year as New Jersey Gold Star Mother's Day.

American Gold Star Mothers Inc is a national organization that was formed in 1928 to create a support network for military mothers who lost their son or daughter while they were serving in the armed forces.  Currently, there are over 200 chapters of Gold Star Mothers across the United States.

"We have a solemn responsibility to recognize the families of our fallen servicemen and women," said Conners (D-Burlington/Camden).  "Setting aside one Sunday a year is a small way we can express the immense gratitude we have for New Jersey's Gold Star Mothers."

The measure (AJR-62) would call for public officials, private organizations and all of the residents of New Jersey to set aside the last Sunday of September to commemorate the sacrifices of New Jersey's Gold Star Mothers. 

"New Jersey's Gold Star Mothers deserve the highest honors," said Cruz-Perez (D-Camden).  "Their sacrifices and patriotism are the foundation of our state and nation."

Gold Star Mothers was named for the gold star service flag that families hung in their windows in order to honor the loss of family members in military service. 

The Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee released the legislation of 5-0. It now heads to the General Assembly for a second reading. 

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