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WASHINGTON D.C. (April 28, 2008) - Last year, 44 states and the
District of Columbia proclaimed May 1 as Silver Star Day.
This year, Silver Star Families of America, which began the
grassroots movement, is hoping all 50 states will remember and
honor their wounded and ill veterans May 1 to kick off Military
Appreciation Month.
"While we want every state to join with us, this year we are
going to the cities and asking them to help," Janie Orman, the
organization's president, said. "We wanted 50 cities across the
United States to hold ceremonies and remember our honored
wounded."
Cities across the nation are responding "beyond our
expectations," Orman said.
"To date we have received proclamations from 44 states, the
District of Columbia and 89 cities, with more coming in every day,"
she said. "It has been a long time since I have seen such an
outpouring of love and respect."
Silver Star Families of America is a banner organization,
similar to Blue Star Mothers of America and American Gold Star
Mothers. Since its founding three years ago, the organization has
given out thousands of Silver Star Service banners and certificates
to wounded U.S. veterans from all wars wherever they live.
The tradition of the Silver Star banner for the wounded and ill
goes back to 1917 and lasted for years until it faded into history.
Silver Star Families of America brought back this tradition so that
every time someone sees a Silver Star banner in a window or a
Silver Star flag flying, they remember the sacrifice of wounded
servicemembers.
The Silver Star Service banner and flag fly at military
hospitals, Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities and
combat support hospitals.
"We hope everyone will take a minute to reflect on the
sacrifices of our wounded and ill soldiers on May 1," Orman said.
"I also invite everyone to hold their own ceremonies or banner
presentations."
Silver Star Families of America is a supporter of America
Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and
companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home or
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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