Pulaski Times

U.S. Senator John Boozman, joined by Senators Ted Budd from North Carolina and Mark Kelly from Arizona, led the passage of a Senate resolution designating April 5, 2025, as Gold Star Wives Day. This resolution is designed to honor the spouses and families of fallen U.S. Armed Forces service members.

Senator Boozman expressed the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by the loved ones of fallen servicemembers. "Our fallen servicemembers’ loved ones bear a grief few can ever understand, but we must never forget their sacrifice. I am proud to join my colleagues to extend our eternal gratitude to every family member of the heroes who have laid down their lives in defense of our nation and freedoms."

Senator Budd emphasized the often-overlooked sacrifices made by the spouses of fallen military members. "The fallen members of our military have paid the ultimate sacrifice, laying down their lives in defense of our country’s freedom and security. They will never be forgotten, but the sacrifices made by their spouses are often overlooked. I am proud that my bipartisan resolution honoring our nation’s Gold Star wives received unanimous support and passed the Senate. Amy Kate and I extend our deepest gratitude to the spouses of our fallen veterans in North Carolina and across the nation," Budd stated.

Senator Kelly, a veteran, highlighted the significant challenges faced by Gold Star spouses. "As a veteran myself, I know the sacrifices our servicemembers make—and I know their families often sacrifice even more. Gold Star spouses have faced the greatest loss, and their strength in the face of that grief is a powerful reminder of what service truly means. We owe them not just our gratitude, but our continued support," he said.

Additionally, the resolution acknowledges the efforts of Gold Star Wives of America, an organization established in 1945 with the support of former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, which advocates for the spouses and families of fallen service members and veterans.

Furthermore, Senator Boozman has proposed bipartisan legislation known as the Caring for Survivors Act of 2025. This act aims to address disparities in Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payments, which are currently about 12 percent lower than other federal program payments.