TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblymen Ryan Peters and Brian Bergen will introduce a resolution (AJR73) to designate the last Sunday in January every year as Gold Star Father’s Appreciation Day statewide.
“It is important for us to recognize Gold Star fathers and show appreciation for the sacrifice their sons or daughters made in service to our nation,” said Peters (R- Burlington). “These fathers deserve to have a day dedicated to supporting and recognizing everything they have been through.”
According to reports, the Gold Star first appeared during World War I after being placed over a service flag’s blue star when a service member was killed in combat. The Gold Star indicated the family’s pride in the loved one’s ultimate sacrifice rather than mourning their personal loss.
“The Gold Star is a symbol of pride in our loved ones who died defending us, and creating a Gold Star father’s Appreciation day is just another way to highlight family pride,” said Bergen (R-Morris). “When our young men and women go to war the entire family makes a sacrifice, and everyone deserves to be honored individually.”
September is Gold Star Mother’s Appreciation month and the last Sunday, the 29th this year, is also Gold Star Mother’s Appreciation day and Family Appreciation day. Gold Star Wives day is April 5 annually.