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Esty introduces bill to aid Gold Star Families

5th District Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty has introduced the Support the Families of Fallen Heroes Act to honor service members who lose their lives serving in uniform and to provide assistance to their families. 

 

In 2014, Esty met with families who lost loved ones where she spoke with Joe Nolan, a Vietnam veteran and former Marine who lost his son in Iraq in 2004.  Nolan, who also initiated the Gold Star Family License Plate in Connecticut, suggested creating a postal stamp in honor of the families of the fallen.  

 

Esty has introduced legislation to do so during each of her three terms in Congress. 

 

Nolan said the stamp would not only keep their memories alive, but it would also spread awareness to those who may not be familiar with the Gold Star symbol. 

 

The proceeds from sales of the stamp would go to the Families of the Fallen Support program, which supports families at Dover Air Base when they witness the return of their fallen loved ones.  It also includes peer-based support groups and camps for children to connect with others coping with a similar loss. 

 

Esty previously introduced the Gold Star Fathers Act, which extends formal hiring preference for federal jobs to fathers of disabled and deceased veterans.  The bill was signed into law in October 2015.

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Dave Rinelli

Local Headlines