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Regular Session, 2013
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 104
BY REPRESENTATIVES ST. GERMAIN, BARROW, CHAMPAGNE, HILL, HODGES,
KATRINA JACKSON, NANCY LANDRY, MORENO, NORTON, SMITH,
STOKES, THIERRY, AND WHITNEY AND SENATORS BROOME,
BUFFINGTON, DORSEY-COLOMB, GUILLORY, AND PETERSON
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON
To commend 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.
WHEREAS, the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Chapter 1 was chartered in March
of 2005, and the organization has grown from fifteen original members to over one hundred
active members, and Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Chapter 1 has helped to start several
other chapters throughout the state; and
WHEREAS, Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana is a service and support organization
whose mission is to answer the call of military families in need and bring to the forefront the
sacrifices of military personnel and their families, and the group hosts events that promote
patriotism and honor our military and veterans; and
WHEREAS, the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Chapter 1 established a care
package project to demonstrate to men and women serving overseas that they are appreciated
and recognized for their sacrifice, and the care package project has grown from sending
boxes twice a year to sending an overwhelming three hundred plus boxes a year, with each
box including a few comfort items, some basic necessities, and as much love as can be
packed into a box; and
WHEREAS, one of the most important responsibilities of the organization is to
support families that have lost a loved one while serving in the military, and Blue Star
Mothers of Louisiana accepts this solemn responsibility because their families are joined by
a special bond of having a loved one who volunteered to protect the rights and freedoms that
Americans hold dear; and ENROLLEDHCR NO. 104
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WHEREAS, when a Blue Star Mother loses a child who is serving in the military,
the mother then becomes a Gold Star Mother, and the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana hosts
an annual Gold Star Mothers Day Luncheon to honor the parents of fallen heroes; and
WHEREAS, in 2010, the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana undertook a tremendous
effort to honor Louisiana Gold Star Families, and the group raised over forty thousand
dollars to present Louisiana Gold Star Families with an Honor and Remember Flag; the
group also attends funeral services for active duty military and presents mothers with a Gold
Star Flag, a memory book, and a promise to not forget her sacrifice, and since the chapter
was established, Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Chapter 1 has presented over one hundred
thirty Gold Star Flags; and
WHEREAS, Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana also hosts the Wreaths Across America
Ceremony in Baton Rouge in mid-December at the National Cemetery, continuing the event
that was started in Arlington National Cemetery in 1992 and now takes place at over six
hundred national cemeteries nationwide; the Wreaths Across America project has become
a major event of the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, and this year nearly four hundred
wreaths have been placed on the graves of veterans and fallen heroes to carry out the mission
of the Wreaths Across America event which is to honor, remember, and teach; the Blue Star
Mothers of Louisiana honors those who are currently serving in the military, remembers the
fallen, and teaches children the value of freedom; and
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus Foundation created the
Women of Excellence Awards to recognize and honor extraordinary women of excellence
across the state for their outstanding achievements and contributions; and
WHEREAS, recipients of the Women of Excellence Awards exhibit characteristics
of integrity and professionalism, personify excellence in their area of specialty, and are
committed to community service to better society as a whole; and
WHEREAS, for 2013, there are six fields or categories for the Women of Excellence
Awards: Business, College Woman of Excellence, Education and Research, High School
Woman of Excellence, Louisiana Hero of Excellence, and Military; and
WHEREAS, the recipients of the 2013 Women of Excellence Awards are being
recognized at the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus Foundation's Women of ENROLLEDHCR NO. 104
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Excellence Awards Gala on Wednesday, May 29, 2013, at the historic Hilton Capitol House
Hotel in Baton Rouge; and
WHEREAS, the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Chapter 1 has been named a
recipient of a 2013 Women of Excellence Award in the field of Military to recognize
excellence and significant contributions related to the armed forces; and
WHEREAS, the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Chapter 1 merits a sincere and
heartfelt measure of commendation for dedication to service and outstanding
accomplishments, and it is entirely appropriate for the Legislature of Louisiana to commend
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 which recognizes the
group's vital contributions to the citizens of Louisiana.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
commend 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; does hereby recognize and record for posterity the
singular contributions of the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Chapter 1 to the citizens of
Louisiana, and does hereby extend enduring appreciation for the tremendous honor and pride
that the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Chapter 1 brings to the state of Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, Chapter 1.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE