Honoring wounded and ill soldiers

PINE PLAINS — Town Supervisor Gregg Pulver said he received a request at the March Town Board meeting to make a proclamation for the Silver Star Families of America (SSFOA).

Town Councilman George Keeler, who was behind that request, spoke highly of the organization and the efforts it makes to provide for those who have served or continue to serve in the military.

“It’s a worthwhile cause,†Keeler said.

According to its Web site, “The Silver Star Families of America was born to recognize, remember and assist the wounded and ill of our Armed Forces from all wars. It is our wish that every time someone sees a Silver Star Banner in a window or a Silver Star Flag flying, that they remember the blood shed for this great nation, as well as the illnesses incurred as a result of combat.â€

SSFOA was founded in 2005 and “has since distributed thousands of banners to the wounded and ill of all wars,†the site stated. Its mission is to “act as an advocate for the wounded and ill and to educate the public about their plight.â€

Silver Star Families of America is a non-partisan, not-for-profit, charitable foundation. It is not connected to the Silver Star Medal. In addition to the banners and flags, it also provides care packages to the wounded and ill at military and VA hospitals, including medical centers in combat zones.

Keeler said that 1,500 cities (although the official Web site puts the number closer to 2,600 cities and counties) have passed proclamations identical to the one that was presented at last month’s board meeting; Pulver read the proclamation aloud at the time.

“We wish the sacrifices of the Armed Forces will never be forgotten,†he said. “I declare that May 1st will be Silver Star Remembrance Day.â€

The motion was passed with unanimous support from the board.

To contact the organization, log on to silverstarfamilies.org.

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