Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
02.09.22
Blue Star Mothers of America First Met in Flint; Resolution Designated February 1, 2022 as Blue Star Mother’s Day
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today applauded Senate passage of the bipartisan resolution he introduced that designated February 1, 2022 as Blue Star Mother’s Day. This day of recognition honored the sacrifices and contributions made by mothers of servicemembers for our troops – and commemorated the 80th anniversary of the first Blue Star Mothers gathering in Flint.
“Blue Star Mothers are an unwavering pillar of support for not only our brave men and women in uniform, but also for each other and all the loved ones of servicemembers,” said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “Their tireless dedication to supporting our armed services is an inspiration to all Americans, and we owe them our thanks for their continued service and sacrifice. I was proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution to celebrate Blue Star Mothers, and will continue working to support all servicemembers and their families.”
“As proud mothers of US Armed Forces troops and Veterans, Blue Star Mothers of America will continue to recognize the memory of all the men and women who have served our country as members of the Armed Forces,” said Blue Star Mothers National President Stacy Anders. “We sincerely appreciate this honor and recognition.”
“Blue Star Mothers of America was founded in 1942 in Flint, Michigan. The organization provides support for active duty service personnel, promotes patriotism, assists Veterans organizations, and is available to assist in homeland volunteer efforts to help our country remain strong,” said Jacqueline Ransom, President of the Department of Michigan Blue Star Mothers of America.
In 1942, the Flint News Advertiser ran an ad asking mothers of servicemen to share their stories and experiences. The response they received was overwhelming, and led hundreds of mothers to gather days later on February 1 to form a permanent coalition. Today, over 200 active chapters of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. exist that continue to build a supportive community both for veterans and the mothers of servicemembers. These chapters organize events in Michigan and around the nation to help pack and ship care packages to servicemembers, visit hospitalized veterans, help homeless veterans, support wounded warriors and honor fallen heroes during funeral services.
Peters has long been an advocate for Michigan’s servicemembers and veterans. In November, Peters was inducted into the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor for his efforts to support our nation’s veterans and military. In 2017, Peters was recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Vietnam Veterans of America for authoring the bipartisan Fairness for Veterans Act into law. The legislation requires veteran discharge review boards to give liberal consideration to petitions for honorable discharge status if the servicemember has been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI or other related conditions connected to their military service. As of the fall of 2020, more than 1,500 veterans have had their discharges upgraded since his legislation was enacted.
Last year, Peters’ bipartisan bill to strengthen transparency and communication for veterans and caregivers participating in the VA’s caregiver program was enacted into law. Peters’ bipartisan legislation to expand apprenticeship opportunities for veterans and allow them to use their GI bill benefits to secure a registered apprenticeship was signed into law in 2020. Peters also fought for and helped secure a measure in last year’s defense bill to expand the Department of Veterans’ Affairs list of medical conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure to include bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and Parkinsonism.
Senator Peters volunteered for the U.S. Navy Reserve and served for over a decade in units at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. He earned a Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist designation and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. His reserve duty included time in the Persian Gulf region supporting Operation Southern Watch. After the September 11th terrorist attacks on our country, he volunteered again for drilling status.
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