Louisiana 2013 2013 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HCR104 Introduced / Bill

                    HLS 13RS-1979	ORIGINAL
Page 1 of 4
Regular Session, 2013
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 104
BY REPRESENTATIVES ST. GERMAIN, BARROW, CHAMPAGNE, HILL, HODGES,
KATRINA JACKSON, NANCY LANDRY, MORENO, NORTON, SMI TH,
STOKES, THIERRY, AND WHITNEY AND SENATORS BROOME,
BUFFINGTON, DORSEY-COLOMB, AND PETERSON
COMMENDATIONS:  Commends the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Chapter 1 upon
receipt of a 2013 Women of Excellence Award from the La. Legislative Women's
Caucus Foundation
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON1
To commend the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Chapter 1 upon receipt of a 2013 Women2
of Excellence Award from the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus Foundation3
for achievements in the field of Military.4
WHEREAS, the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Chapter 1 was chartered in March5
of 2005, and the organization has grown from fifteen original members to over one hundred6
active members, and Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Chapter 1 has helped to start several7
other chapters throughout the state; and8
WHEREAS, Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana is a service and support organization9
whose mission is to answer the call of military families in need and bring to the forefront the10
sacrifices of military personnel and their families, and the group hosts events that promote11
patriotism and honor our military and veterans; and12
WHEREAS, the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Chapter 1 established a care13
package project to demonstrate to men and women serving overseas that they are appreciated14
and recognized for their sacrifice, and the care package project has grown from sending15
boxes twice a year to sending an overwhelming three hundred plus boxes a year, with each16
box including a few comfort items, some basic necessities, and as much love as can be17
packed into a box; and18 HLS 13RS-1979	ORIGINAL
HCR NO. 104
Page 2 of 4
WHEREAS, one of the most important responsibilities of the organization is to1
support families that have lost a loved one while serving in the military, and Blue Star2
Mothers of Louisiana accepts this solemn responsibility because their families are joined by3
a special bond of having a loved one who volunteered to protect the rights and freedoms that4
Americans hold dear; and5
WHEREAS, when a Blue Star Mother loses a child who is serving in the military,6
the mother then becomes a Gold Star Mother, and the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana hosts7
an annual Gold Star Mothers Day Luncheon to honor the parents of fallen heroes; and8
WHEREAS, in 2010, the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana undertook a tremendous9
effort to honor Louisiana Gold Star Families, and the group raised over forty thousand10
dollars to present Louisiana Gold Star Families with an Honor and Remember Flag; the11
group also attends funeral services for active duty military and presents mothers with a Gold12
Star Flag, a memory book, and a promise to not forget her sacrifice, and since the chapter13
was established, Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Chapter 1 has presented over one hundred14
thirty Gold Star Flags; and15
WHEREAS, Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana also hosts the Wreaths Across America16
Ceremony in Baton Rouge in mid-December at the National Cemetery, continuing the event17
that was started in Arlington National Cemetery in 1992 and now takes place at over six18
hundred national cemeteries nationwide; the Wreaths Across America project has become19
a major event of the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, and this year nearly four hundred20
wreaths have been placed on the graves of veterans and fallen heroes to carry out the mission21
of the Wreaths Across America event which is to honor, remember, and teach; the Blue Star22
Mothers of Louisiana honors those who are currently serving in the military, remembers the23
fallen, and teaches children the value of freedom; and24
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus Foundation created the25
Women of Excellence Awards to recognize and honor extraordinary women of excellence26
across the state for their outstanding achievements and contributions; and27
WHEREAS, recipients of the Women of Excellence Awards exhibit characteristics28
of integrity and professionalism, personify excellence in their area of specialty, and are29
committed to community service to better society as a whole; and30 HLS 13RS-1979	ORIGINAL
HCR NO. 104
Page 3 of 4
WHEREAS, for 2013, there are six fields or categories for the Women of Excellence1
Awards: Business, College Woman of Excellence, Education and Research, High School2
Woman of Excellence, Louisiana Hero of Excellence, and Military; and3
WHEREAS, the recipients of the 2013 Women of Excellence Awards are being4
recognized at the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus Foundation's Women of5
Excellence Awards Gala on Wednesday, May 29, 2013, at the historic Hilton Capitol House6
Hotel in Baton Rouge; and7
WHEREAS, the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Chapter 1 has been named a8
recipient of a 2013 Women of Excellence Award in the field of Military to recognize9
excellence and significant contributions related to the armed forces; and10
WHEREAS, the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Chapter 1 merits a sincere and11
heartfelt measure of commendation for dedication to service and outstanding12
accomplishments, and it is entirely appropriate for the Legislature of Louisiana to commend13
the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Chapter 1 upon receipt of a 2013 Women of Excellence14
Award from the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus Foundation which recognizes the15
group's vital contributions to the citizens of Louisiana.16
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby17
commend the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Chapter 1 upon receipt of a 2013 Women of18
Excellence Award from the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus Foundation for19
achievements in the field of Military; does hereby recognize and record for posterity the20
singular contributions of the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Chapter 1 to the citizens of21
Louisiana, and does hereby extend enduring appreciation for the tremendous honor and pride22
that the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Chapter 1 brings to the state of Louisiana.23
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted24
to the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Chapter 1.25 HLS 13RS-1979	ORIGINAL
HCR NO. 104
Page 4 of 4
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent.  [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
St. Germain	HCR No. 104
Commends the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Chapter 1 upon receipt of a 2013 Women
of Excellence Award from the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus Foundation for
achievements in the field of Military.