The singing Gilbert family salutes the troops with ‘The Wiz’

The five Gilberts were part of the Valley's Dream Kids performing troupe for 12 years, under the Dream Come True Foundation. After the 9/11 attacks, the Gilberts took their work seriously and started thinking about U.S. military troops who protect our freedoms and how to show appreciation for their sacrifice. In 2005, they founded the charitable organization, Sing for America, and continue to perform in the Valley and along the East Coast to raise donations for families of active military. They have appeared locally at Mayfair Festival of the Arts, Musikfest, The Great Allentown Fair, and Coca Cola Park. To date, they have raised more than $30,000 through donations for the Valley chapter of Blue Star Mothers.

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Blue Star moms pack 'love' for troops

The Philadelphia chapter of Blue Star Mothers spent an afternoon this week packing care packages for our troops overseas.

Staff photographer Bob Gurecki stopped by to capture the reasons behind what they do.

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Veterans Day National Observance

Military families make sacrifices for all of us

The Daily Local News : Serving Chester County: "Chester County Commissioners' Chairwoman Carol Aichele knows what it means to be in a military family. Her husband served in the U.S. Navy when they were first married, and she lived the life of a navy bride. Her son chose also to serve in the military, and has spent time overseas in the Persian Gulf conflict.

And although one could not accuse Aichele of being someone who spends too much time looking backward and not forward, she makes a point when discussing the difference between those families whose children are fighting our country's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and those who fought our nation's war against germany, Italy and Japan."

"Unfortunately, the public has a very short memory," Aichele said at a ceremony last month declaring May to be Blue Star Mothers' Month, in honor of the organization that supports those families who have sons and daughters on active duty overseas in time of war.

Aichele pointed out that when the Blue Star Mothers organization began in 1942,
more than 60 percent of all American families had family members in the service;
now, less than 1 percent do.

What that adds up to is that service families at times feel adrift in a world that does not always recognize the sacrifices that they are making.

Happening Today

"Blue Star Mothers of America are looking for family and friends who have loved ones serving in the United States Military. They are welcome to the monthly meeting, the second Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Bucks County Courthouse Community Room, Doylestown. Information: bluestarmothers.com or call 215-723-4935."
Happening Today - The Times Herald Life: Norristown, PA and Montgomery County (timesherald.com):

Kids For America Show – Big Hit

"Friday night’s show at the Nazareth Center for the Arts, Kids for America presented by Alexandria Manor and Lafayette Ambassador Bank raised $750!
The forty plus people in attendance donated $250, and Alexandria Manor and Lafayette Ambassador Bank contributed $250 each.
Kids for America is comprised of five brothers and sisters from Easton, who sing, dance, and talk with the audience. They performed a wide range of music from the 60s, 70s, Broadway shows, and ended the night with ten minutes of patriotic songs.
Donations will be split between the two organizations. Kids for America work with Blue Star Mothers to help local military families in need."

Kids For America Show – Big Hit! « Nazareth Arts Center's Latest News:

Congressman Sestak Speaks at Blue Star Mothers Luncheon

"Congressman Sestak Speaks at Blue Star Mothers Luncheon
March 21, 2009
ESSINGTON, PA—On March 21, 2009, Congressman Joe Sestak (PA-07) spoke at the Blue Star Mothers Luncheon in Essington, Pa., about the dedication of military families and his efforts to care for active service members, veterans, and their families. The Congressman was introduced by Philadelphia Chapter President Marian Moran."

more... Congressman Sestak Speaks at Blue Star Mothers Luncheon >> Representative Joe Sestak:

Mothers honor local families of fallen military

"On Sunday, four families attended Gold Star Family Day, an event held by the Blue Star Mothers Hanover Chapter No. 2 to honor the families of service members killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The event was held at the chapel at Homewood at Plum Creek. The names of each fallen soldier from the area -- as far south as Emmitsburg, Md., and as far north as Carlisle -- were read."
more...Mothers honor local families of fallen military - The York Daily Record:

Lehigh Valley Yard Sale

Community Calendar -- themorningcall.com: "Yard Sale and Quarters for Military Program, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Nazareth Borough Park. Benefits the LV Military Affairs Council and Blue Star Mothers. 610-759-9188."

Display honors Delco’s servicemen and women

"MEDIA — A display in the lobby of the Government Center, unveiled Tuesday, honors men and women of the armed forces with a pictorial tribute board featuring photos of those serving in the United States, Iraq, Afghanistan and other military campaigns.

The display was launched at a ceremony attended by the families and friends of several members on active-duty and members of the Delaware County Council. In all, pictures of 10 armed forces personnel were put on the tribute board.
Five pictures were posted on the board by family members or friends. They include:n Army Spc. Anthony Crocetto, of Norwood, by his aunt, Joyce Calabrese, of Glenolden, who works in the county Office of Judicial Support. He is serving in Iraq.
n Army Spc. Philip George of Chester, by longtime friend Eileen Ricketts, a county employee in the controller’s office. He is an Army engineer.n Airman 1st Class Matthew Heiser, of Marple Township, by his parents Maureen and Tony Heiser. He is based out of Spangdahlem, Germany, and is now serving in Afghanistan.
n Staff Sgt. Nicholas Miccarelli, of Ridley Park, by his parents, Linda and Nicholas Miccarelli, and friend, Derek Spaccone. Miccarelli is the state representative for the 162nd Legislative District and is serving his second tour of duty in Iraq.
n Lt. Kevin Moran, of Middletown, by his mother, Marian Moran, president of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Blue Star Mothers. He is a Navy aviator.
n Also posted were photos of Marine Cpl. Peter Browne, of Radnor, Navy Lt. Robert Koroly, of Upper Darby, Army Pvt. Marc Lare, of Collingdale, who is serving in Iraq, Marion Sewell Jr., of Chester, who is serving with the Army in Iraq for a second tour of duty, and Navy Ensign Ian Wessels, of Newtown Township, serving aboard the USS Jarrett.
“Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the actions of American military personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere have given us a renewed appreciation of their dedication, sacrifices and patriotism,” said county Vice Chairman Jack Whelan, council’s liaison to the Department of Veterans Affairs. “We hope the tribute display will increase awareness and appreciation for those who are now serving here and overseas.”Delaware County residents who have family members actively serving in the military are invited to submit the individual’s military photograph and information on their service to the Veterans Affairs, Room 225, Delaware County Government Center, 201 W. Front St., Media, Pa. 19063. The 4-inch-by-6-inch colored photographs should include the name of the person serving in the military, town of residency and their official military address."


Display honors Delco’s servicemen and women - The Delaware County Daily Times : Serving Delaware County, PA(DelcoTimes.com):

What’s On Tap for July

What’s On Tap for July : "5K RACE FOR FREEDOM
Ashly's 5K Race For Freedom, A Soldiers Legacy, will be held September 5 at 9 a.m. in the Lehigh Parkway in Allentown. A portion of the proceeds from the race will benefit the Ashly Moyer Memorial Scholarship Fund at Emmaus High School. The majority of the proceeds will be donated to the Lehigh Valley Blue Star Mothers, a group that supports our troops and veterans. Runners, walkers and volunteers needed. Sign up at www.5kraceforfreedom.org."

Hanover Blue Star Mothers seek families of fallen

"The Hanover chapter of the Blue Star Mothers are planning a ceremony to honor all of those from the Hanover-Adams County area who have given their lives in the service of their country.
And the group would like to invite the families of the fallen, known as Gold Star Families, as well as those families whose loved ones are still on active duty.
But they're having difficulty tracking people down to ensure they know about the event, scheduled for Sept. 27, because the Department of Defense limits what it releases about fallen soldiers."

Hanover Blue Star Mothers seek families of fallen - The York Daily Record:

Honoring the sacrifice of service members' families

"The women stood together after the ceremony and the speeches, as the crowd left to find lunch and workers took apart the public address system.
Raeann O'Connor's son, Pfc. Timothy Markle Jr., is serving in Iraq with the 56th Stryker Brigade of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
Connie McNally's son, Warrant Officer Steven Viands Jr., will return to Iraq for his second tour of duty in September.
'People say they understand, but they can't,' O'Connor said. 'You can't understand if it's not your family.'"
"We suffer," McNally said. "Very hard. There are days that you can't function."
"You wish you could hold your child," O'Connor said. "You wish you child could walk through the door at night. You wish you could just go to the movies, but you can't.
"Every morning and every night I have that question: Is my child coming home?"
They sat next to one another Saturday, as the Garden Club of York dedicated the Blue Star Memorial Garden built just inside the Brooks Robinson Plaza gate at Sovereign Bank Stadium to honor the families of those serving the country.
"As a blue star mother, it's hard to find other blue star families," O'Connor said. "York County can be isolating like that."
"We just met today," McNally said.
Listening to the tributes was difficult, they said. At times, both women choked up.
As speakers spoke of sacrifices that could never be forgotten, fans walked past on the plaza, not wanting to miss the Revs' batting practice.

BLUE STAR
Named after the flags given to the families of those serving during war, a blue star represents those supporting a son or daughter, husband
or wife in the military.
In 1944, the New Jersey Council of Garden Clubs planted 8,000 dogwood trees as a living memorial to those killed in World War
II. The next year, the National Council of State Garden Clubs adopted the symbol when it began the Blue Star Highway system, which honors all veterans.
Both the Blue Star Mothers and Blue Star Families are organizations that support the families of those serving in the military.

Honoring the sacrifice of service members' families - The York Daily Record:

May is Blue Star Mothers month in PA

"Rep. Scott Boyd leads a Capitol event to honor Blue Star Mothers in Pennsylvania. (Blue Star Mothers are mothers of children serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.) Boyd welcomed West Lampeter Township resident Mindy Rottmund (red sweater, back row) and other members of the organization for the event. On the day of the event, House Resolution 248, sponsored by Boyd, received unanimous passage in the House to honor name May as Blue Star Mothers month in Pennsylvania."

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Watch the Video

Read the House Resolution

PA House Republican Video

"5/5/2009
Rep. Scott Boyd announces a House Resolution honoring the Blue Star Mothers in Pennsylvania"
PA House Republican Video:
View Blue Star Mothers

Esther McCabe, Lilly, Pennsylvania, Blue Star Mothers of America

No mother had more at stake in the war than widow Esther McCabe, whose 11 sons all served overseas.
"Esther McCabe had 12 children. That was a lot, even in the 1940s. But it wasn’t what really made her stand out—nor was the fact that 11 of her children were boys, or that she raised them alone. Her claim to fame was that all 11 of her sons were in the military in World War II. It didn’t take long for all of America to find out about that."

America in WWII: Esther McCabe, Lilly, Pennsylvania, Blue Star Mothers of America:

Rally in Reading, Pennylvania

Rally in Reading, Pennylvania: "There is someone here in this crowd also that knows exactly where I’m coming from and the other Blue Star Moms do also. One of these moms, Nancy Hoffman Hardy (ph), her son Matthew and my son, they’re serving together and in the coming weeks the Hardy’s son David will be deployed to Iraq with the Pennsylvania National Guard. Please join me in thanking Nancy and her family for the sacrifice that they’re making.
Thank you, Nancy."

2nd Annual Quarters for Military Families to be Held in Nazareth, PA

"The 2nd Annual Quarters for Military Families will be held on Sunday, October 5th, 2008 from 1PM - 3:30PM (rain or shine) in Nazareth, PA. It will start from Nazareth's Circle, down Main Street to Prospect Street. Duct tape will be placed down center of South Main Street for individuals to place quarters.

Last year's event collected approximately $8,000 for use by families of deployed military personnel of the Lehigh Valley as needed. The goal for this year is at least $10,000."

Real Estate Blog - 2nd Annual Quarters for Military Families to be Held in Nazareth, PA:

Monthly Radnor Prayer Service Honors U.S. Military Overseas

"Radnor - Amid Iraq war protests and large-scale criticisms, parishioners of St. David's Episcopal Church in Radnor have taken a unique approach to the war.

One of the more moving parts of the ceremony, according to Marian Moran, mother of a naval aviator, is Dr. Guelzo's reading of about 125 soldiers names, including the names of Revolutionary War veterans buried in St. David's cemetery.

"He makes you feel like your child is the backbone of our country," Mrs. Moran said. "It's a very hard thing for a mom to put a uniform on a soldier...because you know at that time that they have become now an enemy - that someone might seek them out to kill them."
As Dr. Guelzo had hoped the services quickly gained attention from those outside of the St. David's community. Since it's onset other churches and schools have joined in addition to Blue Stars Mothers Philadelphia Chapter. The Blue Stars Mothers was established back in World War I and it is essentially a support group for the mothers of military personnel.

Currently, in addition to the Blue Star Mothers, St. David's parishioners are joined by members of the American Academy of Bryn Mawr, St. Mary Magdelene Church of Newtown Square, Proclamation Presbyterian Church of Bryn Mawr, and the Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan of Paoli.
"
The Bulletin - Philadelphia's Family Newspaper - Monthly Radnor Prayer Service Honors U.S. Military Overseas:

Health Insurance for Kids

Delaware County Chamber of Commerce coordinated the coalition that includes representatives from the business community, insurance companies, the Delaware County Medical Society, CrozerKeystone Health System, Mercy Health System, Riddle Memorial Hospital, Delaware County Intermediate Unit and the school districts it represents, United Way, Goodwill Industries, PathwaysPA, the PA Dept. of Health, the county Library System, ChesPENN Health Services, Coalition of Delaware County Governments, Head Start, other key social service agencies and concerned citizens.

"Council Vice-Chair John Whelan welcomed Philadelphia Chapter Blue Star Mothers President Marian Moran of Middletown, who had been instrumental in establishing the chapter in Delaware County. Moran's son is U.S. Navy Aviator Lt. Kevin Moran. Accompanying Moran was Upper Darby Township chapter member Jeanne Koroly whose son is U.S. Navy Aviator Lt. Robert Koroly."
The Blue Star Service Flag is an official banner authorized by the Dept. of Defense. Families and associations who have members serving in the Armed Forces during any period of U. S. war or hostilities may display the Blue Star Flag. A gold star replaces the blue star for any military member that dies or is killed while in service.

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