Okaloosa County BOCC — September 20, 2016 — Gold Star Mother's Month Sept. 2016

PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, the name of Gold Star Mothers was derived from the custom of military families who put a service flag near their front window. The flag featured a star for each family member serving in their country – living members were denoted in blue but gold stars honored family members who were killed while in duty; and WHEREAS, Blue Star Mother s of Amer ica mission includes pr oviding suppor t for Amer i- can Gold Star Mothers, who have lost a son or daughter on active duty and are recognized for their many sacrifices for the cause of liberty; and WHEREAS, the Blue Star Mothers of America Inc. was founded as a patriotic service organiza- tion on February 2, 1942, to unite mothers who had sons or daughters serving in the United States Armed Forces; and WHEREAS, Northwest Florida Blue Star Mothers, Chapter 7, was established and chartered in January 2009; and WHEREAS, it is fitting and appropriate that the Blue Star Mothers, Florida Chapter 7, recognize Gold Star Mothers in Okaloosa County, as well as the entire Nation; and WHEREAS, long after the battle is over , we will continue to give our militar y and Gold Star families the care and support they deserve -- in a listening ear, a comforting shoulder, a helping hand, and a moment given to keep alive the memories of their Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen; and WHEREAS, we as a gr ateful Nation, declar e that we will never for get their sacr ifice, and we renew our promise to build a future worthy of their devotion; and WHEREAS, September is recognized as Gold Star Mother Month; and WHEREAS, the last Sunday in September is recognized as Gold Star Mother’s Day. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Okaloosa Coun- ty, Florida, that we do hereby proclaim September 2016 as GOLD STAR MOTHERS OF AMERICA MONTH and SEPTEMBER 25TH AS GOLD STAR MOTHER’S DAY. DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED this 20th day of September 2016 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA ATTEST: _________________________________ CHARLES K. WINDES, JR. CHAIRMAN ___________________________ JD PEACOCK II CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT