89R23427 EME-D By: Hall, Paxton S.R. No. 456 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The members of Blue Star Mothers of America have long rendered exceptional service to families and U.S. military personnel; and WHEREAS, On January 22, 1942, Army Captain George Maines ran an advertisement in the Flint News-Advertiser calling for mothers of members of the U.S. armed forces to come together; the following month, on February 1, 300 mothers held their first meeting in Flint, Michigan, and in 1960, Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., received its charter from the U.S. Congress; a nonpartisan, nonpolitical, and nonsectarian organization, BSMA is composed of mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, foster mothers, and female legal guardians whose children are serving in the military or who have achieved the status of veteran; and WHEREAS, Today, at least 10 Texas chapters across the state are included in the more than 200 Blue Star Mothers of America chapters that represent thousands of military families in the United States; among their many contributions, BSMA members ship care packages to military personnel who are deployed overseas, visit hospitalized veterans, assist veterans organizations, and join together to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation; and WHEREAS, Committed to supporting our troops, our veterans, and the families of those who so bravely serve, Blue Star Mothers of America fosters a community of compassion while promoting patriotism and a sense of pride and appreciation for all members of the U.S. armed forces; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby commend the Texas chapters of Blue Star Mothers of America for their important work and extend to all those associated with the chapters sincere best wishes for the future.