PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF CONGRESSMAN DENVER RIGGLEMAN
Today, Congressman Denver Riggleman (VA-05) introduced the bipartisan H.Res.734, which designates the week of September 20-26, 2020 as Purple Star Families Week. Purple Star families have lost a family member to veteran suicide. This resolution honors those families and reunites them with the veteran community.
“This bill recognizes the families of veterans who have lost a loved one to the tragedy of veteran suicide,” said Rep. Riggleman. “This designation will reconnect these veterans’ families to the military community and uplift the bravery of their veteran who is deserving of honor.”
The Purple Star Families Week will be part of the National Suicide Prevention Month, which occurs every September. This bipartisan resolution has over 40 cosponsors including Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA).
“Every loss of a veteran or service member to suicide is a tragedy, for our nation and for every family who suffers in the aftermath,” said Whip Scalise. “We must recognize the rate of veteran and service member suicide for what it is: an epidemic. And we must, above all, support our Purple Star Families through the pain of their loss, help maintain their ties to the military community, and honor their sacrifice. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Purple Star Families Week Act, and urge my colleagues to act upon this legislation immediately.”
“The battles veterans face while deployed do not always end when they return home. We need to do more to support our heroes struggling with mental health issues,” said Rep. Steil. “Congress must continue bringing attention to veteran suicide and the sacrifices military families make. Purple Star families are an important part of the veteran community. I am proud to support them.”
“It’s important we recognize and address the issues our bereaved families face from the loss of a military loved one,” said Rep. Baird. “This resolution will make a difference in supporting those impacted by these tragedies.”
“Just as we’ve long honored the families of service members killed in action, we should similarly honor the families of those who succumbed to the weight of war after they’ve returned from the battlefield,” said Rep. Dan Crenshaw. “Veteran suicide is an issue we cannot ignore. By recognizing and honoring the families of veterans lost by suicide, we can empower them to share their stories and reassure them that they are not alone – that America will never forget what they and their veteran loved one have sacrificed.”
“Our military families are key to supporting our service members and our country. We must continue to support them, especially after losing a family member who served our country,” said Rep. Trone. “I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill that provides a key support network for Purple Star Families.”
As Rep. Steve Scalise stated, the issue of veteran suicide is an epidemic. While we work to lower the numbers, we must also work to honor the lives of those who are lost and to provide the safety, support and healing of a community of fellow survivors to the families left behind.
Join CHW and all of the cosponsors of this amazing House Resolution in supporting this cause. As a veteran suicide survivor, I know first hand what this means to those of us who are left behind. I understand the need for a community of people who know the unique challenges we face. Thank you for your support.
Original Cosponsors of the resolution are:
- Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA)
- Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA)
- Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC)
- Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR)
- Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL)
- Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA)
- Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX)
- Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC)
- Rep. Harold Rodgers (KY)
- Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH)
- Rep. Robert Latta (R-OH)
- Rep. Billy Long (R-MO)
- Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH)
- Rep. Jody Arrington (R-TX)
- Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA)
- Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN)
- Rep. Trent Kelly (R-MS)
- Rep. David P. Joyce (R-OH)
- Rep. David Trone (D-MD)
- Rep. Daniel Webster (R-FL)
- Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH)
- Rep. Michael Cloud (R-TX)
- Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ)
- Rep. John Joyce, M.D. (R-PA)
- Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA)
- Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI)
- Rep. Van Taylor (R-TX)
- Rep. Max Rose (D-NY)
- Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN)
- Rep. Rodger Williams (R-TX)
- Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)
- Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC)
- Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL)
- Rep. Randy K. Weber (R-TX)
- Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL)
- Rep. Paul Mitchell (R-MI)
- Rep. Greg Pence (R-IN)
- Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX)
- Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN)
- Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL)
- Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV)
- Rep. James Baird (R-IN)
- Rep. Elaine Luria (D-VA)
- Rep. David Kustoff (R-TN)
- Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK)
- Rep. Abigail Spanburger (D-VA)
- Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY)
- Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH)
- Rep. Guy Reshenthaler (R-PA)
