WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a combat veteran, joined fellow member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), in leading an effort to honor Gold Star Families. The bipartisan bill, the Gold Star Families Day Act, would dedicate the last Monday in September as a federal holiday in observance and recognition of the sacrifice that all Gold Star Family members make when a father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter or other loved one dies in service to the nation.

“For the countless American families spanning generations who have given and sacrificed so much to defend our nation and protect our freedoms and way of life, our country is eternally grateful to you. As a combat veteran, I’m honored to join with my colleague Senator Warren in leading the Senate on this measure to recognize the sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters of the fallen who solemnly and proudly display the Gold Star,” said Senator Ernst.

“Gold Star Families make incredible sacrifices for our country, and that’s why I’m introducing Gold Star Families Day Act with Senator Ernst – to honor and respect the painful sacrifice that continually lives with the families of our fallen heroes,” said Senator Warren.