The House of Representatives today passed legislation that will expand the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project (VHP) to include family members of veterans who died as a result of their service or who are missing in action. The Gold Star Families Voices Act was approved by a voice vote and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

     “The Gold Star Families Voices Act ensures we record and remember the lives and sacrifices of all who have served and provide family members with an opportunity to create a lasting narrative and living record of their fallen loved ones,” said Smith, who served two terms as Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee from 2001-2004. “Passage of this bill will honor the men and women who gave ‘the last full measure of devotion’ in the service of our nation by allowing their families to tell their stories—so that all Americans can hear, appreciate, remember and honor these patriots.”

     Congress created the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress in 2000 to collect and catalog the stories of American war veterans. The project helps preserve the memories of the men and women who have served in the armed forces so that current and future generations may hear and better appreciate the realities of war and the sacrifices made by those who served in uniform.

     The VHP has been a great success. Earlier this year, the Library announced that it reached a milestone, with 100,000 veteran stories archived. There are now more than 100,000 testimonies of veterans who have served in military engagements since World War I in our permanent record.

     Currently—and as Smith’s bill will correct—the project accepts only first-hand accounts of living veterans, unintentionally leaving out the men and women who did not return from the battlefield.

     Smith’s bill is endorsed by the New Jersey Gold Star Mothers organization, whose President, Judi Tapper—the proud mother of Petty Officer First Class David Tapper, a Navy Seal who was killed in Afghanistan on August 20, 2003—stated: “Never in history has there been a forum to replace our heroes’ silenced voices. This legislation provides it. In their names, may their stories be told.”

     The Second Vice President of the National American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., Becky Christmas, said: “Rep. Smith’s legislation gives our children a voice that they no longer have. The Gold Star Families Voices Act will ensure that the experiences and lives of all veterans—including our sons and daughters who fought and died for our country—are remembered, honored and preserved. As Gold Star Parents, we are encouraged to know that the bill is closer to becoming a reality. Our hearts are touched that our children who gave so much will continue to be heard.”

     Smith praised the Gold Star Mothers in his floor speech and highlighted their continued advocacy: “The Gold Star Mothers are an incredibly inspiring, committed and dedicated group of women who have worked tirelessly and successfully to bring about meaningful change to better the lives of servicemembers, veterans and their families.” 

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