[Pages H2234-H2235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         GOLD STAR SPOUSES DAY

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Gold Star Spouses Day.
  On April 5, we honored the spouses of military servicemembers who 
died while defending our freedom and serving our country. This day 
offers remembrance for the spouses while also acting as a time of 
recognition for their sacrifices.
  As an Army dad, I am blessed my son has returned home from his 
deployments. I am aware that this is not the case for all families, and 
we must take the time to remember, respect, and honor the spouses of 
our fallen servicemembers.
  Gold Star Spouses Day brings awareness of the sacrifices and the 
grief these spouses have faced in the name of our country.
  Mr. Speaker, let us all take a moment to remember that our freedom is 
not free. Gold Star families have lost a loved one in the name of 
protecting our

[[Page H2235]]

freedom, and they deserve our gratitude today and every day.

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