Silver Star Day is Proclaimed by Oregon Governor

Oregon joins 43 states and 20 U.S. cities that have also set aside May 1st to honor wounded servicemembers.

The Silver Star Flag Courtesy: silverstarfamilies.org

(SALEM) - Governor Ted Kulongoski has signed a proclamation designating May 1st, as “Silver Star Day” in Oregon.

Silver Star Families of America (SSFOA) is dedicated to supporting and assisting America’s war wounded and their families. Founded in 2005, SSFOA honors Wounded Heroes with a Silver Star Banner and Silver Star Flag.

The non-profit group’s goal is to educate Americans so they may never forget the service and sacrifice of America’s military and to be more aware of the other wounds suffered by military members that are not so easy to see, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The Silver Star Day initiative was started last November when SSFOA drafted a resolution to create the day and sent it to every state. Oregon joins 43 states and 20 U.S. cities that have also set aside May 1st to honor wounded servicemembers.

“The sole mission of Silver Star Families of America is to educate people that when they see a Silver Star Banner in a window or a Silver Star Flag flying, to remember the blood sacrificed for this State and our Nation,” said Jim Willis, Director, Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

SSFOA recognizes all wars, past and present, and is a member of the Defense Department’s America Supports You program. That program highlights the opportunities that Americans and the corporate sector have to support U.S. servicemembers.

The group has presented hundreds of Silver Star banners to wounded servicemembers and their families. The SSFOA is currently working to have their banner become a government-recognized service banner similar to those of the Gold Star Mothers. Gold Star banners recognize