"Blue Star Mothers and Families Day" Effective August 5th

State Representative Christina Hagan (R-Alliance) today announced that legislation designating the fourth Sunday of July as “Blue Star Mothers and Families Day” will become effective on August 5th. House Bill 242 aims to honor military families and their loved ones for the sacrifices they have made on behalf of the nation.

The legislation was derived from the Blue Star Mothers of America organization, which has more than 6,000 members and 200 chapters across the country, with 15 chapters in Ohio alone. The non-profit is known for supporting patriotism and providing outreach to the mothers, stepmothers, and other maternal figures who have children serving in the military.

“It is a special honor to recognize and celebrate the endless dedication and sacrifice that these mothers, families and active military servants make on behalf of all Ohioans and Americans,” said Rep. Hagan, who jointly sponsored the bill. “It is only fitting that we should take a day each year, specifically named in this bill to be the fourth Sunday of every July, to appreciate the history and contributions of such selfless servants, giving all to advance our freedoms and to allow us to raise our families without fear due to the time spent away from their own families.”

Through the committee process, House Bill 242 was changed to include entire families of those who serve in the military rather than just mothers and other female guardians. Thus, under the legislation, the fourth Sunday of July recognizes all family members who sacrifice time with their loved ones while they serve in the armed forces.

The legislation was introduced by Reps. Hagan and Jonathan Dever (R-Madeira) in June of last year and was referred to the House Armed Services, Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. The House passed the bill in September and the Senate passed it last April. Governor John Kasich signed the bill into law on May 6th, 2016.