Gov. Dennis Daugaard has signed an Executive Proclamation proclaiming Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014, as “Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day” in South Dakota. In his proclamation, the Governor encourages South Dakotans to become aware of the South Dakota’s Gold Star Mothers and their efforts to continue to honor our sons and daughters who paid the ultimate sacrifice for all our freedoms.
Since 1936, the last Sunday in September has been designated by Congress as Gold Star Mother’s Day. During World War I, military families would hang a flag in the window of their home – a red bordered banner with one blue star for each family member fighting in the armed forces. They would replace the blue star with a gold star if a family member died in the line of duty.
South Dakota joins in this annual tribute to honor the Gold Star Mothers and Families and will uphold the tradition of displaying the flag of the United States over government buildings on this special day. Gov. Daugaard encourages South Dakotans to display the flag as a public expression of sympathy, gratitude and respect for South Dakota’s Gold Star Mothers and Families.
The Gold Star mothers instilled the values that led these brave men and women to service. These families have sacrificed more that most can ever imagine, and yet they still find the courage and strength to comfort other families and support our veterans.
“Families are the support for all of our service members,” said Larry Zimmerman, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. “The Gold Star Families have given their all and fill a special place in all of our hearts. Their sacrifice is incomprehensible to us, and their dedication and allegiance is unfailing.”
“We are honored that the Honor and Remember Flag will be flying at the Soldiers and Sailors Building in Pierre on Sept. 28,” said Zimmerman. “It serves as a reminder of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to America.”