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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