ATLANTA – State Representative Rhonda Burnough (D-Riverdale) encourages families across the state to participate in a moment of silence in honor of Georgia’s Gold Star Fathers on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 11 a.m.
“It is of great importance that we extend our heartfelt recognition and gratitude to fathers nationwide on this day, for their sons and daughters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our collective freedoms,” said Rep. Burnough. “I am deeply thankful to our veterans and service members for their invaluable service to both Georgia and the United States. I encourage all to come together on this day to take part in a moment of reflection as we honor Georgia’s Gold Star Fathers and show our respect for their sacrifices.”
Rep. Burnough encourages families to share their loved one’s story of courage and bravery and participate in the moment of silence with other Georgia Gold Star Fathers on November 9, 2023. Additionally, the Gold Star Fathers’ Facebook page will feature photos and story submissions; families who are interested in participating may post a loved one’s photo and a tribute here.
Inspired by the national Gold Star Mother’s Day, the first Gold Star Father recognition event in Georgia was held on November 9, 2017, to extend the same recognition to fathers of fallen heroes. During the 2018 legislative session, the Georgia House of Representatives unanimously adopted House Resolution 655, which was sponsored by Rep. Burnough, to recognize “Gold Star Father’s Day” on November 9 annually in the state. November 9 was selected to coincide with two days that honor military service: U.S. Marine Corps’ birthday and Veteran’s Day. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Rep. Burnough held three annual ceremonies for Georgia’s Gold Star Fathers at the State Capitol.
Currently, there is not a national observance day for Gold Star Fathers. However, in 2019, U.S. Reps. Hank Johnson and Rob Woodall drafted legislation H.Res.706, based on HR 655, expressing support for the designation of November 9, 2019, as “Gold Star Father’s Day.” In May of 2023, U.S. Reps Hank Johnson and Drew Ferguson introduced new legislation, H.J.Res.65 to officially designate November 9 as “Gold Star Father’s Day.” Rep. Burnough hopes that a resolution honoring Gold Star Fathers will receive bipartisan support and will be signed by the president.
For more information on Georgia’s Gold Star Fathers, please visit the official website here.
Representative Rhonda Burnough represents the citizens of District 77, which includes portions of Clayton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Governmental Affairs, Higher Education and Small Business Development committees.
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