A resolution designating April 5, 2025, as "Gold Star Wives Day".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 176
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-10: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2577; text: CR S2573)
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-16T15:11:00Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 176) aims to honor the surviving spouses and families of fallen U.S. Armed Forces members by designating April 5, 2025, as "Gold Star Wives Day." It recognizes the 80th anniversary of the first meeting of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc., an organization founded in 1945 with help from Eleanor Roosevelt to support these families through advocacy, services, and community.
Key Provisions
- Designation of the Day: Officially names April 5, 2025, as "Gold Star Wives Day."
- Recognition and Honors:
- Acknowledges the contributions and dedication of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc., to supporting fallen service members' families and veterans.
- Highlights the organization's role in providing advocacy, services, support, and friendship to surviving spouses and children.
- Encouragement for Observance: Urges the American people to participate in activities that raise awareness about the organization's work and the sacrifices of military families.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force or amendments to current laws. It does not create enforceable obligations or alter statutes; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture from the Senate.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Promotes public awareness and appreciation for the sacrifices of military families, potentially fostering greater community support and recognition for Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. It may encourage voluntary events or educational efforts on that date.
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact; it could inspire related awareness campaigns by the Department of Defense or Veterans Affairs, but imposes no requirements.
- On International Relations: None, as the resolution is focused entirely on domestic recognition of U.S. military families.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.: Directly honored, with increased visibility for their mission to assist surviving spouses and families.
- Surviving Spouses and Families of Fallen Service Members: Beneficiaries of the recognition, highlighting their sacrifices and the support they receive.
- U.S. Public and Veterans' Community: Encouraged to observe the day, potentially strengthening national gratitude toward military service.
- Members of Congress: Sponsors (e.g., Senators Budd, Kelly, and Boozman) demonstrate support for veterans' issues, but the resolution was agreed to by the full Senate.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no binding effect and does not require presidential approval or House concurrence. It aligns with Congress's power to express sentiments under Article I of the Constitution but creates no new rights or funding.
- Constitutional: Reinforces the government's role in honoring military service without infringing on individual rights or federalism principles.
- Political: Symbolizes bipartisan appreciation for military families, potentially boosting morale among service members and veterans. It underscores ongoing congressional efforts to support those affected by military sacrifices, though it carries no policy enforcement.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-10: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2577; text: CR S2573)
- 2025-04-10: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-04-10: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Designating April 5, 2025, as Gold Star Wives Day. — issued 2025-04-10 — PDF (3 pages)