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 TOMORROW, Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at 11 a.m.
“Georgia is the only state that honors Gold Star Fathers on a special day, but I hope that someday it’ll become a national recognition,” said Rep. Burnough. “It is my honor to recognize these fathers each year because their sons or daughters paid the ultimate price in defense of democracy and our collective freedoms. I want to thank our veterans for continuing to trust us with the opportunity to respectfully acknowledge your sacrifice.”
In lieu of holding an annual ceremony at the State Capitol, 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, 2021. 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 based on HR 655 to make Gold Star Father’s Day a national day of remembrance. 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.
For more information on HR 655, please click 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 Special Committee on Election Integrity and the Economic Development & Tourism, Governmental Affairs, Higher Education and Small Business Development committees.
###