Local Gold Star Mother would like state tribute to address whole families of fallen soldiers

PAW PAW - Laura De Roo of Paw Paw, vice president of the local Blue Star Mothers group is pleased that Gov. Jennifer Granholm has designated Sept. 26, Gold Star Mother's Day, honoring the sacrifices of the mothers of fallen soldiers. But, De Roo and her husband, David, wish the tribute would be extended to state Gold Star Families, Gold Star Dads, siblings, spouses, and children, all who have also experienced the loss as well.
The De Roos lost their son, Sgt. Gabriel G. De Roo, on Aug. 20, 2006, in Mosul, Iraq, while he led a squad on patrol. He was serving his second tour of duty there with the United States Army 2/3 Infantry Company A Stryker Brigade from Fort Lewis, Wash.
"This designation originally took place June 23, 1936. While searching for the original wording of that proclamation, I came upon the proclamation of several states that have over the years, designated the last Sunday of the month as Gold Star Mother's Day. Michigan is not the first," said De Roo, vice president of the Southwest Michigan 179 Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., and Big Dipper National Auxiliary president.
"Having our governor recognize the loss, honor, and sacrifice of the many Gold Star Mothers of this state is appropriate. I am not surprised that Gov. Granholm was willing to do so. She has supported the families of the fallen from our state for years," De Roo added.
"I do wish that this proclamation reached just a bit further than the mothers, and honored those others, as well."

Courier Leader - Local Gold Star Mother would like state tribute to address whole families of fallen soldiers

Wyckoff event honors Women with children in the Military

The ceremony was organized by the Blue Star Mothers of America Inc., a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization of women whose children are, or have been, in the military. Under Blue Stars, women with children who have died serving in the military are distinguished as "Gold Star" mothers.
Ceremonies in northern New Jersey were also held in Ho-Ho-Kus, Wanaque and West Milford.


NorthJersey.com: Wyckoff event honors women with children serving in military

Mothers of Soldiers Attend Reception at Bush Home

The last Sunday in September is Gold Star Mother's Day, a day meant for people to honor mothers who have lost a son or daughter while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

On Saturday night, former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush hosted a reception in their Dallas home for local Gold Star Mothers and Blue Star Mothers. Blue Star Mothers are mothers that have a soldier serving their country right now.

NBCDFW assignment editor Cynthia Garcia was invited to the reception as a Gold Star Mother.

Mothers of Soldiers Attend Reception at Bush Home | NBC Dallas-Fort Worth

Peterson Piano Studio: Patriotic Festival SPECIAL EVENTS

This year, for our Festival, BAMTA has chosen to host a Patriotic Festival. At the Festival, students will be able to bring donations to the Blue Star Mothers. They will also be able to stay after they perform and make a card or two for a service man or woman. This will be a nice opportunity to "give back" to our community.

Peterson Piano Studio: Patriotic Festival SPECIAL EVENTS

'Parapup': New children's book brings comfort to children of deployed service members

Vertuli wrote and published the recently released "ParaPup Reports for Duty." Written in simple children's language, ParaPup, who can fly faster than a jet plane, is highly trained in snuggling. The book and a stuffed dog, ParaPup, are available for $25 from the newly-formed Blue Star Mothers organization. Cindy Carroll is president of the local group, made up of mothers who have or had children serving in the military, and can be reached at 622-8413.


'Parapup': New children's book brings comfort to children of deployed service members | coshoctontribune.com | Coshocton Tribune

Gold Star Flag Ceremony honors fallen heroes and their Families

Hosted by the Blue Star Mothers of America San Antonio, Chapter Four, and the Army Community Service Survivor Outreach Services Program, each Family was presented a gold star banner during the ceremony.

A Blue Star Mother or Stepmother has a son or daughter currently serving or honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States.

Col. Mary Garr, 502nd Mission Support Group commander began the ceremony with "We know you have been through tremendous loss and sacrifice. We want to ensure you we will continue to support you."


Gold Star Flag Ceremony honors fallen heroes and their Families