AUSTIN, TX - Sunday is Gold Star Mother's Day, a day of recognition of mothers whose sons and daughters died while serving in the United States armed forces.

The gold star concept began during the United States' involvement in World War I. Upon paying the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom, the mother of a fallen military service member stitched a gold star over the blue star of the service flag to honor her son or daughter who died in military service. These women become Gold Star Mothers.

In 2015, Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa sponsored HB 194 which officially recognized the last Sunday in September of each year as Gold Star Mother's Day.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

"This Sunday, we celebrate and honor the mothers of those service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. As a Vietnam Veteran for the United States Marine Corps, I am all too familiar with the burdens that our military families endure, especially the mothers of our service men and women.

These Gold Star Mothers serve as an inspiration to all Texans. They have suffered the loss of a child, but have handled their calamity with courage, grace and strength. I hope we can bring these mothers some small comfort by recognizing their sacrifices on this Gold Star Mother's Day."

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