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WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 10, 2008) - Two years ago, Steve Newton,
founder of Silver Star Families of America, asked the governors of
all 50 states and the mayor of the District of Columbia to sign a
proclamation to observe May 1 as Silver Star Banner Day, honoring
wounded and ill servicemembers from all wars.
"We asked the governors to make this day a permanent and
official day of observance each year thereafter," Newton said.
"This is a community outreach program that can be implemented by
each governor to benefit the wounded and ill troop population in
this unique way."
Governors held ceremonies honoring wounded and ill
servicemembers, Newton said, but the news was not always reaching
small cities and towns. They, too, wanted to get involved.
"We started to get feedback, and many mayors wondered why we did
not include their cities and towns in this event," Newton said.
"They were not able to go to the state capital, but they wanted to
do something in their own community."
That feedback led Newton to reach out to 5,000 cities and towns
-- 100 per state -- across the nation in preparation for next
year's Silver Star Banner Day.
"We want to get down to the grassroots level and have local
communities honor their wounded and ill, as well," Newton
explained. "At the same time, we wish to send the nation's largest
thank you."
May 1 was chosen for this recurring event because it is Loyalty
Day and the first day of Military Appreciation Month, Newton
said.
A Silver Star Families of America committee contacts city clerks
and mayors to inform them of the event and to ask for their
participation. When they agree, they receive a proclamation letter
to sign. To date, nearly 60 cities in 18 states have signed on to
observe Silver Star Banner Day in 2009 and thereafter. The
organization's Web site, www.silverstarfamilies.org, is the place
to start for people who want to ensure their community has the
opportunity to participate.
"It is amazing the outpouring of admiration for our wounded and
ill," Newton said. "The general response from the cities has been,
'We are honored to be included in this endeavor.'"
Newton said he hopes this event will let all servicemembers know
that "we have not forgotten them and never will."
"Their love of country and sacrifice will remain alive in our
hearts," he said, "and the Silver Star Families of America will
always be here to make sure we never forget."
Silver Star Families of America is a supporter of America
Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting
servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals,
groups and organizations that are helping support the troops,
visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America
Supports You directly connects military members to the support of
the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their
quest to find meaningful ways to support the military
community.
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