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.