Gold Star Mothers Families National Monument Extension Act
Floor Speech
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Mr. McCLINTOCK. Madam Speaker, H.R. 2819 would extend the authorization of the Gold Star Mothers National Monument Foundation so that it can construct the Gold Star Mothers National Monument.
The Gold Star Mothers of our Nation have sacrificed more on the altar of liberty than any among us. They have lost their children so that our children can be safe and sound and free.
No words can begin to express the debt that we owe to them. While other families are celebrating Memorial Day with barbecues and frivolities, Gold Star families are gathered around the hallowed graves of their loved ones.
The monument contemplated by this legislation is a small recognition of this. We do as much as we can to honor those who fall in defense of our country and its Constitution, and well we should. But we don't do nearly enough to honor those who they leave behind.
Our fallen heroes come from our communities, from our high schools and churches, but most importantly, they come from the homes of loving families. When we as a nation lose a soldier and a patriot, these mothers lose a child. We must remember that for the families of these fallen heroes, every day is Memorial Day.
Time, sadly, does not heal all wounds. The grief of our Gold Star Mothers is just as great today as the day when the casualty officer came to their door. Their loss is a heavy burden that they carry with them every single day of their lives. Nonetheless, they persevere to keep alive the spirit of their brave children.
Legislation signed into law during the 112th Congress authorized the Gold Star Mothers National Monument Foundation to erect a monument on Federal lands in our Capital City that would honor mothers whose children gave that last full measure of devotion defending the United States as part of our armed services. The extended authorization will allow more time for the foundation to ensure that the monument's construction and completion can be brought to fruition by 2027.
Madam Speaker, I urge adoption of the measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.
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Mr. McCLINTOCK. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ratcliffe).
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Mr. McCLINTOCK. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
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