Past Events 2009

“The Butterfly Tree” National Children’s Memorial to Fallen Soldiers

The children of our nation have made the only memorial of its kind in the United States to honor the fallen soldiers of “Operation Iraqi Freedom” and “Operation Enduring Freedom”. Children from 28 states have come together to make almost 5,000 unique butterflies, each with the name, rank and age of a fallen soldier. These red, white and blue butterflies have been placed on an eleven-foot tall tree. This two-year project is a wonderful tribute that shows that children can do wonderful things for our country.

This memorial was dedicated on Tuesday December 8th, 2009 at the Howell Middle School South, 1 Kuzminski Way, Howell New Jersey.

New Jersey Gold Star Moms and Cheri Reis, creator of the Butterfly Tree.
Back Row - Kim, Pam, Diane and Joan.
Front Row - Cheri Reis, Theresa, Judi and Suzette.

Some photos from the 2009 Ruck Run at MaGuire Air Force Base, NJ.

Bubba Beason presented each Mom with a piece
of the World Trade Center and the GSM Tote Bag.

New Jersey Gold Star Moms present Bubba Beason
with the Honor and Remember flag.

The NJ Gold Star Moms in attendance.

Judith Tapper with the 2nd Place Winning Team that ran for her son,
David M. Tapper. This is the 3rd year for this event.