American Gold Star Mothers lay wreath at Tomb of the Unknowns, Gold Star Mothers Sunday, 09/26/05 Soldiers looking at Vietnam Wall Memorial Francis Turley at a funeral for a forgotten veteran. One of the many markers at Arlington Cemetery remembered by a mother Perpetuating the noble principles for which they fought and died.


An Explanation long overdue…..

February 9, 2011

It's hard to believe it has been 5 years since we, a group of American Gold Star Mothers, visited the WWII memorial and while there being asked by just about every one, “What is a Gold Star Mother?” and the other variation, “What do the stars on the wall mean?”.

While we are grateful that the general public is curious about our white outfits, we cannot actually be present 24/7 to explain the meaning of the 4048 Gold Stars at the east side of the Memorial. On subsequent trips, the same curiosity from the public seemed to follow us. There was a real disconnect with the Wall of Stars and the etched in Granite “HERE WE MARK THE PRICE OF FREEDOM” that needed to be addressed. The public did not seem to know the significance of the stars.

At the 2010 White House Mother’s Day Brunch with my granddaughter Camrin, we happened to be seated at the table with the Vice President’s wife, Dr. Jill Biden. I was asked to explain the Gold Star to one of our seated party and explained the confusion that we had seen at the Wall of Stars. Mrs. Biden asked how do we get that fixed? I said I don’t know who is in charge of putting up a sign and she said she would find out.

The next Monday Kristen White from her staff called and asked me to write about why we, as Gold Star Mothers, think a sign would help to educate the visitors. At the next White House Memorial Day breakfast, the sign had been approved and in the works. It really seems that most of the work in DC happens as you engage in casual conversation.

On Feb 5, 2011 we had a small dedication of the sign. The Superintendent of the National Parks Service helped to unveil the wayside exhibit. The best part of the event was when it was all done and a group of school children rushed over to read the new sign. The public who were present engaged us with lots of questions; it was hard to break away from these American citizens who cared about who we were and our missions, and go back to headquarters and resume our National Board meeting.

Ruth Stonesifer

Maria Burks, Superintendent (acting) of National Mall and Memorial Parks
makes some introductory remarks.

Gold Star Moms (L to R) Donna Bagwell, Barb Benard,
Janice Chance and Norma Luther.

Ruth Stonesifer, PNP AGSM introduces AGSM President Molly Morel.

Molly Morel, President AGSM, makes a few remarks. Note the
number of Gold Stars on the wall behind.

The new sign is unveiled by National Park staff.

Donna Bagwell, Barb Benard and Ruth Stonesifer admire the new sign.