Gold Star Mothers event draws near

Part II Submitted by T. S. Kontak

Wheatfield Veterans Committee Chairman

This part follows the birth of the Gold Star movement piece that appeared in the Tribune/Sentinel’s July 12 edition. Part II is the continuation of that story, and the efforts of moms united by loss.

At 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, the Wheatfield Veterans Committee will honor all Gold Star Mothers for the dedication of a bronze statue placed on the current Veterans Memorial site, 2800 Church Road. This is a no-charge ceremony, and all are welcome. There is ample parking and facilities.

Grace Darling Seibold who, after the loss of her son in World War I, along with mothers who also suffered, worked tirelessly to make a special day of remembrance. They petitioned Congress and, in 1935, Congress established the last Sunday in September of each year as the observance of Gold Star Mother’s Day.

George’s mother, Grace Darling Seibold, accepted her son’s death, but was not content to stop endeavors to recognize mothers everywhere. She organized a group consisting solely of these special mothers. Their purpose was not only to comfort each other, but give loving care to hospitalized veterans confined in government hospitals far from home.

Service flags displayed in homes, places of business, and churches indicate the number of family members serving in the armed forces. They have a deep-blue star for each member currently serving. It would be replaced with a gold star upon news of a death.

As World War I progressed and men and women were killed in combat and others wounded and died of their wounds or disease, there came about the accepted usage of the gold star.

The idea of the gold star was that the honor and glory accorded the person for their supreme sacrifice in offering for their country – the last full measure of devotion and pride of the family in this sacrifice, rather than the sense of personal loss, which would be represented by the mourning symbols.

On June 4, 1928, after years of planning, 25 mothers met in Washington, D.C., to establish a national organization named American Gold Star Mothers Inc. The organization was named after the gold star banners that families hung in their windows in honor of a deceased veteran.

The success of this organization continues because of the bond of mutual love, sympathy and support of the many who, through sharing their grief and pride, have channeled their time, energy and efforts to lessening the pain of others. They stand tall, assist veterans, support our nation, and heal each other.

Excerpt from Public Resolution 12, Section 2, declaring official recognition of Gold Star Mothers: “That the last Sunday in September shall hereafter be designated and known as ‘Gold Star Mother’s Day,’ and it shall be the duty of the president to request its observance as provided for in this resolution.”

Above materials taken from Gold Star Mothers website.