God's Roadmap

Now may the Lord Jesus Christ and our Father God, who loved us and in his wonderful grace gave us eternal comfort and a beautiful hope that cannot fail, encourage your hearts and inspire you with strength to always do and speak what is good and beautiful in his eyes (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 TPT).


Saturday, September 28, 2019

Gold Star Mothers Day

by Barbara Latta

Thousands of families have endured the loss of a son or daughter through war since our country has been fighting for freedom. As our service members sacrificed, so did their families. Grieving mothers held on to letters and telegrams informing them of their loss. Tear-stained pillows were gripped with hands that had waved good-bye as their solder of sailor left home and would never be seen again.

Gold Star Mothers of America was formed after World War I as a way to honor and support the parents of children who died in war. The mother who founded Gold Star Mothers was Grace Darling Seibold. Her son was 1st Lt. George Vaughn Seibold who was killed in August of 1918. The most well-known Gold Star Mother was Aletta Sullivan who lost all five of her sons when their ship the USS Juneau was torpedoed and sank. The movie, The Sullivans, portrayed their life and the tragedy of their death.

The last Sunday of September is a date set aside to recognize these special mothers. Those fallen men and women will never see their children grow up, get married, graduate or produce grandchildren for their parents Their hopes and dreams died with them on the battlefield so that our hopes and dreams can continue.

Each day that goes by a mother will miss her child. When birthdays, holidays, and remembrances of special occasions grace her calendar, there will be no celebration, only a grave to visit.

This Sunday we honor these mothers with recognition for their sacrifice, as well. Their son or daughter is gone, and they will live with that loss for the rest of their lives.

And we also honor Blue Star Mothers. These are moms whose children are actively serving or are veterans.

If you know a Gold Star Mother, what would be something special you could do for her today? Feel free to share your thoughts and memories.

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Honoring Gold Star Mothers Day (click to tweet)

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9 comments:

  1. Joanna Eccles9/30/19, 7:05 PM

    Thanks for the reminder to find ways to comfort those who've lost loved ones to war. I think with any loss, sometimes just acknowledging the fact that it hurts and grieving is OK is important.

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    1. Barbara Latta10/1/19, 10:46 AM

      Sometimes we don't know exactly what to say to those who have suffered loss, but our presence can give them comfort and show that we care. Joanna, thanks for sharing. Blessings!

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  2. Julie Lavender9/30/19, 10:50 PM

    I can't imagine that pain, but I do know several who have lost children and their grief is unbelievably raw and difficult. Thanks for the reminder to pray for those who are grieving, in whatever stage of grief they find themselves.

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    1. Barbara Latta10/1/19, 10:45 AM

      Thank you, Julie, for remembering those who have lost loved ones. As the wife of a military man, you would have more insight into the risks their family members have taken. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!

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  3. J.D. Wininger10/1/19, 9:49 AM

    Thank you Ms. Barbara. Few today even recognize what a "Gold Star", or "Blue Star" in a window represents today. Am grateful to God that our mama only ever had to hang blue ones in the family home. I've had the honor of visit with mothers and other family member of fallen comrades. What I always try to tell them is that their child, brother, or sister was not lost in vain and their sacrifice will never be forgotten. I can't tell them that we'll see them again in heaven, because I can't say that I knew each had given their lives to Christ. I believe though, we will one day see more than we expected there. Not sure if you are a God Star Mom or not ma'am, but if you are, know please you hold a special place in my heart, and I believe God's heart.

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    1. Barbara Latta10/1/19, 10:41 AM

      Thank you, J.D., for your kind remembrances of our fallen heroes. Thankfully, I am not a Gold Star mom, but I am a Blue Star mom and very proud of my sons and my husband for serving. And I also thank you for your service to our country and to those mothers and families you have reached out to. Blessings!

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  4. Stephanie Pavlantos10/2/19, 3:40 PM

    This was such a touching post. I was unaware of Gold and Blue Star mothers. Thank you for bringing it to light for those who don't know. I can't imagine losing all my children like the Sullivan's did. That made my heart hurt for her. I am thankful for moms like you who have sons and daughters who serve our country.

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    1. Barbara Latta10/4/19, 5:58 AM

      Yes, Stephanie, it's unimaginable what the Sullivan's went through losing all 5 sons at once. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and your kind words for Blue and Gold Star moms. Blessings!

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  5. Mikaela Romero10/2/23, 6:55 AM

    Thank you for sharing tthis

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