Today, U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (Mo.) and Roy Blunt (Mo.) commended Senate passage of their legislation permanently designating May 1 as Silver Star Service Banner Day. The measure honors our nation’s wounded and ill service members and veterans, and their families. The amendment was included in the National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the Senate yesterday.
“What truly makes America great are the brave men, women and their families who answered the call to serve and allow us to enjoy the freedoms we have today,” said Hawley. “While we can never thank them enough, we can celebrate their selflessness and permanently honor those wounded and ill service members and veterans across the country every May 1st for Silver Star Service Banner Day.”
“There are thousands of men and women who carry wounds from their service to our nation, and their sacrifices should never be forgotten,” said Blunt. “This effort to honor their service wouldn’t have been possible without the Newton family and the organization they founded to help veterans get the recognition they deserve. I hope all Americans will set aside every May 1st as a day to honor our nation’s wounded and ill service members.”
Silver Star Families of America (SSFOA) is a national non-profit program headquartered in Clever, Mo. The organization honors and assists members of the Armed Forces and their families from every branch of service and from all wars. SSFOA provides assistance to veterans who have suffered illness or injury in the course of their service, and distributes Silver Star Flags and care packages to wounded veterans and their families. Diana Newton, who founded the organization with her husband, Steve, passed away earlier this year.
In addition to Blunt and Hawley, the measure was cosponsored by U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (W. Va.).