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American Gold
Star Mothers
2128 Leroy Place, NW
Washington, DC 20008
voice 202-265-0991
fax 202-265-6963
Contact headquarters for:
Contact webmaster for:
Welcome to American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.
We're an organization of mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the service of our
country.If you're a member of the public, we participate in many memorial events around
the country and you're welcome to join us.
If you've lost your child and would like the community of others in your situation, we
invite you to join
us. No one knows how you feel like another mother who has lost a
child.
If you're a member, keep up to date by checking the members section for the latest
news. There are also some interesting historical photos under Who We Are, Photos From the
Archives.
Do you know how to
thank a military person in uniform?
Do you want to
form a new Chapter?
Is there a
Gold Star Family license plate available in your state?
AGSM is endorsing the
Gold Star Mothers
Monument project to erect a monument to all Gold Star Mothers in
Washington DC.
Veterans may salute the flag.
Are you on the
AGSM mailing list?
Hillary Rumor Not True.
"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who
points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could
have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the
arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives
valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great
enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy course;
who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and
who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that
his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know
neither victory or defeat."
- Theodore Roosevelt
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Greetings to all Gold Star Mothers:
On January 3l, 2008, by way of invitation from the Blue Star Moms of
the East Bay Chapter #101, Ruth Stonesifer and I flew to San
Francisco, CA to attend the California Gold Star Parents Remembrance
and Honor. It was an event that will never be forgotten because of
the work, dedication, kindness and respect that was afforded us.
 Our
accommodations were at the Marines' Memorial Club and Hotel right in
the heart of the city. All the events were held in this beautiful
building circa 1930’s. We were asked to bring pictures and
memorabilia of our sons and when we arrived, tribute tables were set
up and ready for the display. The memories flowed in the room as we
all visited each of the tables. We attended small group discussions
facilitated by Gold Star Parents where we shared with each other. It
was a time of friendship, connecting and sharing. There were buffet
lunches, receptions to meet other participants, photo ops and
continual work by the gracious Blue Star Moms.
Ruth and I will agree that the highlight of our visit was the
Memorial Service held in the Marines Theater. As we entered, each
Mother was given a white rose. We were then escorted to the front to
place the rose by our son’s name with a votive candle waiting to be
lit. The families who had not received their Gold Star Flag, were
presented a personalized one by General Mattis. As the program
continued, a video was shown with each son or daughters' picture
with a short memory read as the pictures were shown. Tears were shed
with pride as the program continued. Our visit ended with a Tribute
Dinner held in the Commandant’s Room of the Hotel on Friday evening.
We returned to our homes on Saturday with much to tell about OUR
TRIP OF HONOR.
Saturday, February 16, was a day that all of us were looking forward
to. We were to visit Walter Reed Army Medical Center and take gifts
that had been provided by our Departments to our wounded warriors.
VVA supplied a bus for us and we loaded our many gifts and off we
went. We were met by our escort, Col. Michelle Cooper. She took us
to the rooms in groups of four. There we gave out our gifts and many
hugs. It was agreed that this was a very special day in our lives,
one we could not and would not forget.
Remember: KEEP PRIDE AND PATRIOTISM ALIVE!
Your National President, Mary Jane Kiepe
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Some Highlights of Past Activities
Gold Star Mothers Memorial Dedication,
Kent, NY July 2, 2006
Peter Allegretta and the Putnam County Joint Veterans Council dedicate a
memorial
statue to all Gold Star Mothers.
Memorial Day activities & TAPS weekend seminar and grief camp
May 26 - 30 2006
Bikes line up before starting ride to Vietnam Memorial. More...
Remarks
delivered by Ben Stein in Arlington, Virginia, at the Tragedy Assistance Program for
Survivors (Taps).
A Time of Remembrance was May 21, 2006
To bring together families of America’s fallen in Iraq and
Afghanistan and honor the sacrifice they and their families have made. Washington Monument
Grounds, Washington, DC. More...
Veterans Day was Nov 11, 2005
Performances by the Marine Band and unveiling of stamps of Distinguished
Marines. More...
Gold Star Mothers Sunday was Sept 24 - 26, 2005
Ceremonies at the Vietnam Wall and the Tomb of the Unknowns. Visits with
members of Congress. More...
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