Blue Star Mothers of NH

SPECIAL PRAYERS -- Flag Day - June 14, 2011

2011-06-14T08:01:00.000-07:00

Our Banner flies across the skies,
And to some it means more than to others.

The mother at the grave, The young and the brave,
Yes, to some it means more than to others.

As the warriors we love serve our nation in far and distant lands, may we remember this Flag Day the Banner under which they fight to secure peace and freedom throughout the world. May, with great pride, we give honor and respect to the Flag of the United States of America, displaying it for all to see at our homes, offices, and places of worship. Our Banner stands for the American way of life ~ 'Old Glory' waves for a Nation whose foundations are rock solid in liberty and justice and who's heroes are willing to give all that it will forever fly over the land and people they love.

Flag Day, June 14, 2011, also the 236th Birthday of our Nation's oldest fighting force, the United States Army. Their determination to attain, establish, and guard the country envisioned by a people wishing to be free, provided the beginnings of that which would lead to the finest branches of military service, the United States Armed Forces.

Today, may we pray for all those serving in our Armed Forces whether stateside or abroad ~ may we pray for those who have serve under our Banner throughout the years ~ those who stand beside and give support to the Armed Forces past and present ~ the precious families of those who have given their forevers for the freedoms for which Our Flag stands ~ and for our Nation itself.

Our Banner flies across the skies,
And to some it means more than to others.

The mother at the grave, The young and the brave,
Yes, to some it means more than to others.

Holding You In Prayer,

Rev. Lin McGee
National Chaplain, Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.

NH Freedom Ride

2011-06-13T07:45:00.000-07:00

"As an American asked to serve, I was prepared to fight,
to be wounded,to be captured and even prepared to die,
but I was not prepared to be abandoned."

(Former POW Eugene "Red" McDaniel - Source:
VVnW POW/MIA Page)

Join us for the POW/MIA VIGIL AND FREEDOM RIDE on JUNE 16, 2011 ~ THURSDAY @ 7:00 PM. The ”Ride to the Rock” HESKY PARK MEREDITH

Numbers and Voices are important! This issue belongs to EVERYONE!

This is the 23rd Anniversary of the weekly Vigils ~ the 18th Anniversary of the Freedom Ride.

Who Wants To Tell These Soldiers They Are Not Prisoners of War
Speak up now for those whose voice can’t be heard!

Guest Speakers: Skip Rollins ~ NH Gold Star Father of Spc. Justin Rollins (KIA 2007) and Hero the dog Justin rescued as a puppy a few days before he died and his parents brought home to live with them.

Prior to line up join the New Hampshire Army National Guard in support of the Northeast POW/MIA Network Freedom Ride at Lowe’s. The National Guard Hummer will be there as well to follow the parade of bikes to Meredith, NH.

Anyone riding should plan on being at Lowe's, 1407 Lake Shore Road [formerly K-Mart Plaza] in Gilford. Plan on being there by *6:00pm ~ lineup is at 6:15pm and we will be leaving the parking lot by 6:30pm with a state trooper escort down route 3 to “The Rock” Hesky Park.

IF YOU ARE NOT A RIDER ~ Please join us ~ you can arrive by vehicle by way of Route 106 N. There is plenty of parking and your voice is important!

To learn more about the Northeast POW/MIA Network and POW/MIA issue visit: www.northeastpowmianetwork.org

Neither International Law nor the Geneva Conventions makes any mention of individuals carried by their countries as Missing/Captured or MIA-C. We realize that our enemies violate the rules of international law and the Geneva Conventions regarding the care and treatment of captured American Service Personnel. Terminology will not change that. Terminology does change world perception regarding the value we place on our captured personnel.

Memorial Day Prayer

2011-05-28T06:39:00.000-07:00

We stand for them.......The young and the brave......Now that day is done.

We stand for them with honor, with pride, with broken hearts and empty arms......

Memorial Day.

Our heroes have gone on before us - too young to go - but too brave to stay. Our hearts were set on our lives together, an eternity of days, a future of tomorrows...... yet, day is done.

We draw together in prayer.

May we give thanks to the Almighty that we have such a land of blessing and hope to live in. A land provided and sustained by the brave of our nation. Those who have stepped forth to right wrongs and secure liberties. Those, our heroes, who have gone before us.

May we remember and pray for their families ~ seeking their comfort, their healing, their strength. May we beseech God that they may live in peace, the peace brought forth to our nation by the sacrifice of their hero.

And may we pray for one another. May we never forget what our heroes have given. May we hold our standards high and bringing their honor forth.

Those, too young to go - but too brave to stay......

Now day is done.....

WE STAND FOR THEM!

Peace and Prayers,

May your Memorial Day be One of Blessing, Safety, and Honor,

Rev. Lin McGee
National Chaplain
Star Mothers of America, Inc.

SPECIAL PRAYERS -- Armed Forces Day

2011-05-20T06:12:00.000-07:00

SPECIAL PRAYERS -- Armed Forces Day Each year, we in America set aside the third Saturday in May to honor our Nation's Armed Forces. . . . . . .

ARMY -- I am an American Soldier. I am a Warrior and a member of a team. 'First to fight for the right, And to build the Nation's might, And the Army goes rolling along......'

MARINES -- Before God I swear this creed. My rifle and I are the defenders of my country. We are the masters of our enemy. 'From the Halls of Montezuma, To the shores of Tripoli, We fight our country's battles, In the air, on land, and sea.......'

NAVY -- I am a United States Sailor. I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me. 'Anchors Aweigh, my boys, Anchors Aweigh, Farewell to college joys , We sail at break of day, 'ay 'ay 'ay .......'

AIR FORCE -- I am an American Airman. I am a Warrior. I have answered my nation's call. 'Off we go into the wild blue yonder, Climbing high into the sun; Here they come zooming to meet our thunder, At 'em boys, Give 'er the gun........'

COAST GUARD -- I am proud to be a United States Coast Guardsman. I revere that long line of expert seamen who by their devotion to duty and sacrifice of self have made it possible for me to be a member of a service honored and respected, in peace and in war, throughout the world. 'We're always ready for the call, We place our trust in Thee. Through surf and storm and howling gale, High shall our purpose be........'

As the mothers, fathers, family, and friends of this proud and outstanding fighting force, what better way to honor our heroes than through prayer to the Almighty? May we stand together this Saturday, May 21, 2011, as the enduring force of strength behind our military men and women ~ lifting our voices in prayer ~ giving faithful word to the Almighty for their protection, thanksgiving for their well being, petition for their wisdom, and appreciation for their service. God Bless the Men and Women of Our Armed Forces!!!

Prayers,

Rev. Lin McGee
National Chaplain Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. 860-379-1298

Military Mothers ~ A Mother's Day Tribute

2011-05-05T08:21:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, moms across the country will be treated to breakfast in bed, homemade cards, bouquets of flowers and fancy dinners in restaurants. But for those who have sons and daughters fighting wars overseas, Mother’s Day won’t be all roses.

The term "Military Mothers" describes two distinct groups of women. On the one hand, it describes mothers whose sons and daughters are members of the military. On the other, it describes mothers who are themselves members of the military.

Though many military mothers have grown used to their children’s absences on Mother’s Day and other special occasions, it doesn’t make those times any easier especially for moms whose sons and daughters are in the line of fire in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Mothers whose children are in the military and deployed to military bases around the world or serving in a war zone far from home, live with daily fear and worry for the lives of those to whom they gave birth, and nurtured into the fine young men and women they are. They worry that those children may return home with missing limbs or with PTSD, and may not be the same person who deployed, or that they may return in a flag-draped casket.

And mothers, who must leave their children behind to go to a war zone far from home, live with daily fear for their own lives because they worry about the possibility that their children may have to grow up without a mother. And they worry about the impact their absence will have on little psyches, and whether that impact will be lasting.

We assure you, both groups are heroes.

And we'd like to wish them, and all the other mothers out there, a

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-04-22T10:07:00.000-07:00

During the First World War, in May 1918, President Woodrow Wilson approved the suggestion of the Women's Committee of National Defenses recommending that American women should wear a black band on the upper left arm adorned with a gold star. Each star representing a family member who had given his or her life for their country. President Woodrow Wilson first used the term "Gold Star Mother" in his Letter to the Women's Committee.

The mothers of New Hampshire’s fallen heroes have made the ultimate sacrifice for human freedom, and we owe them the most profound debt of gratitude. More than anyone, they bear the deep emotional burden and loss of those who have laid down their lives for the cause of liberty. New Hampshire owes these dignified and graceful mothers of freedom our deepest admiration and our promise that the sacrifice of their children will never be forgotten.

To assure that their children would not be forgotten, in 1999, Gov. Jeanne Shaheen signed into law RSA 4:13-h: “Gold Star Mother’s Day” calling for

...the proper observance of the first Sunday after Easter which shall be known as Gold Star Mother's Day recognizing and honoring all mothers who have lost sons or daughters while on duty in the United States armed forces. The governor shall urge the citizens of the state to observe this day with appropriate events...

Each year, this observance is an opportunity to offer our solemn respect to Gold Star Mothers and renew our ongoing pledge that America will always remember those who died while wearing the uniform of the United States and forever honor their families' sacrifice.

In the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944:

"There is nothing adequate which anyone in any place can say to those who are entitled to display the gold star in their windows America lives in freedom because of the sacrifices of America's finest citizens and of the mothers who raised them.."

Please join us and the Gold Star Mother Memorial committee in celebrating the dedication of this wonderful statue.

Dedication of the Gold Star Memorial
Date: Sunday, May 1, 2011
Where: Stanton Plaza, Manchester, NH
Time: 2 p.m.,
New Hampshire Gold Star Mothers Day

Tales of a Military Sister Blog

2011-02-26T06:21:00.000-08:00

Annalisa is also the founder of "You are the Champion" Sibilings Group.

"Now my brother is deployed. On November 14, it will be 5 months.

It’s felt like 5 years to be honest. The emotions and fear, the stress and anxiety all play huge roles when it comes to deployment - both for the family and especially the soldier. Families serve as well. We just don’t wear the uniform and we remain on U.S. soil. But our hearts and our minds are with the soldier every hour of every day.

We don’t know what could happen in the next 7 months. I can’t say that I ‘believe’ that whatever happens (the nightmare) that it was meant to be. I have a hard time really understanding that. So, maybe I am still trying to figure out how the word ‘Believe’ can play a role with this".

Tales of Military Sister

You are the Champion ~ Military Sibling Support

2011-02-26T06:17:00.000-08:00

It was the summer of 2010 when my brother deployed. Just how I thought the war would eventually end, my denial assumed he would never be deployed. The amount of emotions hit you like a ton of bricks. You don’t know what to expect, you don’t know how to feel, or if it’s right feeling sad. It’s a crazy mix of emotions. The Deployment Roller Coaster.

The one thing I quickly realized is how siblings often stand in the background. Truthfully, there are no resources out there for us. Whether it deals with having a soldier in the military or having one deployed. There are many resources for children, spouses and parents but none for siblings. I think we’re just as deserving to receive support and guidance. Siblings share a special bond that no one can replace.

My hope is that You are the Champion will be that resource for the many siblings of our military men and women — deployed, in basic training, or on their U.S. Base performing their duties. The soldiers are the true champions. But so are the family members.

You are the Champion

Two Sides ~ by a NH Blue Star Mother

2011-01-25T19:34:00.000-08:00

Top 10 Military Spouse Homemade Holiday Ideas

2010-12-15T07:35:00.000-08:00

Top 10 Military Spouse Homemade Holiday Ideas
Tara Crooks December 09, 2010

It's the most wonderful time of the year! The time of the year that your heart is warm with thanks as you focus on the blessings you've been given as the year has passed by. One of the blessings I am counting is that our military journey has afforded us an extended family that spans the globe. We have all been given the gift of friendship and I want to celebrate by saying thank you for all the wonderful memories. But I can't help but think of how my savings account will quickly deplete if I add all of those "family members" to my gift list.

I'll be honest. I'm good at thinking outside the box. I knew that in order to save money and add meaning to the holidays I just needed to make the gifts myself. I'm semi-crafty. I can bake. But when it comes time for Christmas it's like someone sucked the life out of my creative brain. So I turned to the experts, military spouses just like me. Thankfully for me, the ideas were bountiful! Those of you who are super creative are bound to have a list that stretches longer than Santa's, but for those of us that need a little "elf magic" I'm passing on the Top Ten. Now, off to the workshop…

1. Printable Coupons

Coupons make a great thoughtful gift especially if you know someone who shows their love by giving acts of service to others. They will truly appreciate this gift. Give the gift of services (lawn mowing, baby sitting, or dog sitting) or give the gift of time (watching movie together, baking cookies, or your expert advice on a subject/project).

2. Holiday Music Mix CD

Who doesn't love Christmas music? Gather your holiday CDs together, pick your favorite songs, or go visit ITunes for some new additions. Pull them together and make your favorite mixed holiday CD.

3. Family Recipe Collection

This one is one of the most loved gifts I have given my friends. Gather all of your favorite recipes or recipes that all of your friends and family normally make at get-togethers and put them in a book. It doesn't have to be fancy. Add some graphics and print them tied with a ribbon. A great gift!

4. Ornaments

Visit your local hobby store for a multitude of ideas. My favorite is a simple clear glass ornament. Fill it with different colors of craft paint. Swirl the paint all around the inside. Turn the ornament upside down into a Styrofoam cup to drain and dry. They're beautiful.

5. Flavor Infused Butters & Oils

Many recipes can be found online with a simple search. Here is my favorite and the simplest one I came across:

Cinnamon Butter
1/2 cup butter -- softened
1 cup honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Mix ingredients in bowl until light and fluffy

6. Soup in A Jar

Layered soup in a jar makes a super stand-alone gift any time. Try this one in a Mason jar and add a decorated bag of oyster crackers for flair.

Chicken Noodle Soup in a Jar
In a two-cup jar, layer from bottom in the order listed above, then seal the jar.
¼ cup of red lentils
2 tbsp. dried onion flakes
1 ½ tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
½ tsp. dried dill weed or dill seed
1/8 tsp each celery seed and garlic powder
approximately 1 cup medium egg noodles
1 bay leaf

Write these instructions on your gift tag:
Bring 8 cups of water to boil in large saucepan. Stir in jar of soup mix. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes. Discard bay leaf and stir in 1½ cups of frozen corn or mixed vegetables and 2 cups of cooked, diced chicken or turkey. Simmer for five minutes until vegetables are tender and chicken is heated through.

7. Bath Salts

For most bath salt recipes you can use your choice of Epsom salts or sea salt, with baking soda, if desired, or a combination of all three. One good mix is one cup of Epsom salts, with 1/4 cup of sea salt, and two or three tablespoons of baking soda. You can also add a tablespoon or two of finely ground regular oatmeal (not quick cooking) for silky, skin-softening water.

Empty the salts into a mixing jar and add a drop or two of glycerin. Add your choice of essential oil. If desired, add a few drops of liquid food coloring. Stir the salts vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Place in a beautifully decorated jar.

8. Cookies & Candies

You can always do the tried and true standbys like chocolate chips, snicker doodles, or peanut butter cookies. You can get fancy and try homemade truffles (my favorite are Oreo truffles -- yum). Better yet, you can try a new suggestion and go with rock candy. (Note: The spouse that submitted this paired it with the 3rd Infantry Division "Rock of the Marne" patch -- too cute!)

Rock Candy
1 cup confectioners' sugar
3 3/4 cups white sugar
1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
1 cup water
2 teaspoons cinnamon oil
1 teaspoon red food coloring

Roll the edges of two 16 inch square pieces of heavy duty aluminum foil. Sprinkle the foil very generously with confectioners' sugar.
In a large heavy saucepan, combine the white sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves. Stop stirring, and boil until a candy thermometer reads 300 to 310 degrees F (149 to 154 degrees C). Remove from heat.
Stir in the cinnamon oil and food coloring. Pour onto the prepared foil, and allow cooling and hardening. Crack into pieces, and store in an airtight container.

9. Fido's Treats

Soft Doggie Cookies
(2 1/2 oz. each) jars of baby food; either beef or chicken
1/4 cup Dry milk powder
1/4 cup Wheat germ or cream of wheat

Combine all ingredients in bowl and mix well. Roll into small balls and place on well-greased cookie sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork. Bake in preheated 350F oven for 15 minutes until brown. Cool on wire rack. Refrigerate to keep fresh or freeze. Great for older dogs with teeth problems.

10. Pine Cone Fire Starters

If you are lucky enough to live in an area coated in pine cones (trust me the post maintenance people love it if we help them by picking them up), grab a bundle and make this easy craft. This is an easy, inexpensive, environment friendly craft project that works great as a gift for anyone with a fireplace. The best part? The pine cones ended up looking like miniature Christmas trees.

Blue Star Banner Presented to Gov. John Lynch

2010-12-02T20:26:00.000-08:00

On September 10th & 11th a Blue Star Banner was flown over the NH State House in honor of all active duty service members. On November 17th the banner was presented to Gov. John Lynch by Blue Star Mothers Karen Thurston and Sue Peterson, joining them was CSM Michael F. Rice (Retired).

A Prayer of Thanksgiving from a NH Blue Star Mother

2010-11-22T07:39:00.001-08:00

Today we bow our heads to give thanks

Thanks to our Creator whose wisdom and strength is infinite.
Thanks to the winds, for cleansing tired and weary souls,
Thanks to the waters for life sustaining
Thanks to the Mother Earth as we lay her weary head to rest for
another season
Thanks to the Father Sun for warming our souls on the long cold days
Thanks to the fires that life is reborn anew.

Yes Creator today we give thanks for all of your little miracles
we take so much for granted each day

I thank you Creator for my warrior son,
Whose proud stance and carriage has
Carried him through many dark days,
And even darker nights.
He knows the Warriors Creed and
Knows the life he lives was chosen
Long ago for him.

I thank you Creator for the many hands
Each one holding a star blue or gold, to be enfolded
In this blanket not yet made
Each star is a prayer yet unanswered
They that share the knitting of a new blanket
In life they are the ones keeping the home fires lit

They are -
The mothers who stand beside, their child
Who are so far away, but so very near
The wives who stand beside their husbands
Who are so far away but so very near
The daughters who stand beside their
Mothers and grandmothers waiting for mommy or daddy to come home.
The husbands and fathers who stand waiting for their loved one
To come home.

Creator this day we give thanks
For prayers not yet answered.
Keep all of our family near and far strong –
know in our weakest moments
we are the strongest, know in the darkest moments
we are the light to guide them home.

Yes Creator this is a day of thanks
For all that has come before
And all that will come after.
Each little moment we give thanks
To you.

Keep our warriors strong,
Keep our warriors safe
Until all our hands and voices
Once again join together
Singing praise of Thanksgiving

Lynn VanCoonis 2007
Proud NH Blue Star Mother

AN OPEN LETTER TO OUR VETERANS

2010-11-10T15:49:00.000-08:00

Since we became an independent country many years have come and gone, however, there is one constant that remains from the 1700’s through today. Our country has had many brave men and women volunteer to defend our country. There was a movie produced about World War II, whose name I cannot recall, but at the end there is a line which rings true (even though the words are not an exact quote), “Where do we get these brave men and women to always step forward when the need arises?”

These men and women come from all over our country and too many times are taken for granted. Men and women, who during times of war and peace, are on-call 24 hours a day 7 days a week and spend countless holidays, birthdays and special events away from their family and friends. The pay is not great, but they continue to volunteer and many make it a career.

They are mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, cousins and friends. We may not always agree in the wars and battles that we fight, but this should not deter us from the support we give to these men and women in uniform. It is through the sacrifice that they and the numerous individuals before them have made, which provides us with the freedoms we have to disagree and speak our objections.

While words cannot pay what we owe you and your families, we ‘thank you’ for your sacrifice. To the families who have lost loved ones, we offer our most heartfelt condolences. Many of us have never endured the pain you must feel, but our hearts hurt for your loss and wish we could help ease your pain.

Let us never forget the people who did not make it home. Remember those still serving in our prayers and never take for granted the sacrifices they make. In closing, one more time I would like to say……

THANK YOU!!!

Happy 235th Birthday Marines ~ November 10, 2010

2010-11-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

During the American Revolution, many important political discussion took place in the inns and taverns of Philadelphia, including the founding of the Marine Corps.

A committee of the Continental Congress met at Tun Tavern to draft a resolution calling for two battalions of Marines able to fight for independence at sea and on shore.

The resolution was approved on November 10, 1775, officially forming the Continental Marines.

As the first order of business, Samuel Nicholas became Commandant of the newly formed Marines. Tun Tavern's owner and popular patriot, Robert Mullan, became his first captain and recruiter. They began gathering support and were ready for action by early 1776.

Each year, the Marine Corps marks November 10th with a celebration of the brave spirit which compelled these men and thousands since to defend our country as United States Marines.

SEMPER FI
1775-2010

NH's Tenley Westbrook's Christmas for the Troops

2010-11-03T06:35:00.000-07:00

Tenley Westbook's Christmas for the Troops, a global webcast of Christmas and patriotic music, will be held on December 18, 2010 at 1:00pm (EST) at the First United Methodist Church in Portsmouth, NH. To Pre-Register email: events@freedomsongfoundation.org.

Members of the military, their families and the community are invited to attend this free concert. Seating is limited so please pre-reigister by clicking on the link above.

To Watch live click here

Tenley Westrook and producer/co-writer John Paul have released the video for "Our Freedom Song" which is a tribute to the troops, the veterans and their families.

To learn more about Tenley visit her website here.

Happy 235th Birthday Navy

2010-10-13T09:17:00.001-07:00

Happy 235th Birthday Navy ~ So let us all take time today to thank the men and women of the United States Navy, past and present, and wish them all a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Blue Star Banner flying over NH State House

2010-09-10T12:03:00.001-07:00

The Blue Star Mothers are so proud to have the Blue Star Banner flying over our NH State House in honor of all our military servicemen and women.

Apple Hill Farm Military Appreciation Day

2010-09-09T09:04:00.000-07:00

Join us at Apple Hill Farm for Military Appreciation Day.

Sunday, October 3, 2010 Noon - 4pm (Rain or Shine)

Apple picking, pumpkin decorating, apple crisp and most of all, time to be in the company of our NH Military Community! Take an hour or all afternoon and say "HI!".

Hope to see you there!

The Blue Star Banner to fly over New Hampshire State House

2010-09-09T08:55:00.000-07:00

The Blue Star Banner has been delivered to the NH State House. The banner will fly over the state house on September 10, 2010 and September 11, 2010.

It’s an American tradition to display a Blue Star Service Banner in the window of a home when a loved one is proudly serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. As Americans support troops deployed overseas in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Blue Star Service Banner is a reminder that war touches every neighborhood.

The Blue Star Service Banner was designed and patented in 1917 by World War I Army Capt. Robert L. Queisser of the 5th Ohio Infantry. Queisser’s two sons served on the front line. His banner quickly became the unofficial symbol for parents with a child in active military service.

On Sept. 24, 1917, an Ohio congressman read the following into the Congressional Record: “The mayor of Cleveland, the Chamber of Commerce and the governor of Ohio have adopted this service flag. The world should know of those who give so much for liberty. The dearest thing in all the world to a father and mother: their children.” Blue Star Mothers and Gold Star Mothers organizations were established during World War I and remain active today.

Today, families display these banners when they have a loved one serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The blue star represents one family member serving, and a banner can have up to five stars. If the individual is killed or dies, a smaller golden star is placed over it. Gold stars are placed above the blue stars or to the top right of the flag, in the event a flag represents multiple servicemembers.

On behalf of the Blue Star Mothers of New Hampshire we give a Blue Star Banner to the State of New Hampshire to fly over our State House in a display of pride for those servicemembers actively serving from our state.

We will be presenting the Banner at a Governor and Council meeting in the fall on behalf of all military families currently serving.

New Hampshire Honor and Remember

2010-08-13T19:49:00.000-07:00

New Hampshire now has an Honor and Remember Chapter.
(Please visit the website – www.honorandremember.org)

We have two Gold Star parents - Mark and Cathy Crane (son - Capt Douglas DiCenzo - KIA 5/25/06) and Jim and Lynn Savage (son - CPL Matthew Stanley - KIA 12/16/06); Blue Star parents -... Bill and Susan Peterson and Paul Lloyd - VFW Chaplain. We are all blessed to be a part of this campaign and to educate the State of New Hampshire about this new symbol of remembering and honoring all our fallen men and women and to remember their sacrifice and service every day in America.

George Lutz, Gold Star father and founder of Honor and Remember, was in New Hampshire on June 16th and made two presentations of the personalized flags to a Vietnam and Iraq Gold Star family. I have attached the pictures from this presentation and also of Mrs. Pettis a Vietnam Gold Star Mother from Vermont.

Honor and Remember, Inc. of Chesapeake, Virginia, is a non-profit organization that is committed to honoring all our fallen men and women. George Lutz is in the midst of a 50 state awareness campaign. George visits and presents personalized Honor and Remember flags to Gold Star Families.

We look forward to the opportunity to share George's vision of Honor and Remember and for New Hampshire to be instrumental in helping the Honor and Remember Flag be a national symbol of service and gratitude. Currently US H.R.1034 represents that goal. Virginia, Oklahoma and New York have

Please email or call me at 603-548-8787 if you have any questions or would like information on obtaining or to be a sponsor of a flag.

Blessings,
Susan
Blue Star Mom
REMEMBER THE FALLEN - BECAUSE FREEDOM ISN'T FREE

Join Blue Star Mothers

2009-11-02T20:30:00.000-08:00

If you have a loved one in any branch of the military and need a shoulder to lean on in these uncertain times, we are here for you. Our members are at all different stages of their loved one's military careers and can help you with your questions and concerns.

We welcome mothers, spouses, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends of those serving or honorably discharged from any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States to join our chapter.

If you have a heart for our service men and women and would like to join us in our support efforts you can become a member. You do not have to be "local" to our chapter if you feel we are the chapter for you, but do note there are Blue Star Mother Chapters all across America.

There are three kinds of membership in the Blue Star Mothers. Here is a break down of membership types:

Blue Star Mothers - A Mother or Stepmother (since the child was of the age of 13) who has a son or daughter who is serving, or has been honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States. Services included are the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, Reserve Units, and the Merchant Marines.

Blue Star Dads - A Father or Step Father (since the child was of the age of 13) who has a son or daughter who is serving, or has been honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States. Services included are the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, Reserve Units, and the Merchant Marines.

Blue Star Dads is in the process of reorganization. Until Dads are reorganized they should apply as an associate member.

Blue Star Associates - A spouse, sister, brother, grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, or friend of someone who is serving, or has been honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States. Services included are the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, Reserve Units, and the Merchant Marines.

For more information contact: nhbluestarmom@yahoo.com

Military Appreciation Day

2009-09-30T06:58:00.000-07:00

Join us at Apple Hill Orchards for Military Appreciation Day.

Sunday, October 4th Noon - 4pm (Rain or Shine)

Apple picking, pumpkin decorating, apple crisp and most of all, time to be in the company of our NH Military Community! Take an hour or all afternoon and say "HI!".

Hope to see you there!

History of the Blue Star Mothers

2009-09-28T18:59:00.000-07:00

History of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.
On January 22, 1942 the Flint News Advertiser printed a coupon asking Mothers of serviceman to return the coupon after filling it out. The following February 1st 300 mothers met in the Durant Hotel, in Flint Michigan. Captain George H. Maines, who had conceived the idea for this group, acted as the chair of this first meeting. It was decided that after receiving 1000 responses from the ad to form a permanent organization.

On February 6th the organization was reported on Congressional record. Chapters then formed in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, California, Iowa and Washington. In June of 1960 the organization was chartered by congress.

Mothers volunteered throughout the tough times of World War II. They worked in hospitals, train stations, packed care packages for soldiers and were an working part of homeland security during times our time of war. The organization waned in size over the years but has held together by mothers showing pride in both their children and country. In recent times we have began to grow in strength. Being attacked on our own soil has once again started mothers hanging flags in their windows at home proclaiming pride in the fact that we have children protecting our freedom during at time of war

Our organization not only provides support for active duty service personnel, promotes patriotism, assists Veterans organizations, and are available to assist in homeland volunteer efforts to help our country remain strong.

National Gold Star Mothers Sunday

2009-09-25T06:33:00.000-07:00

The last Sunday of September has officially been declared GSM day. This year the date is September 27, 2009.

In May 1918 President Wilson approved the suggestion of the Women's Committee of National Defenses. It recommended that American women should wear a black band on the upper left arm, adorned with a gold star. Each star representing a family member who had given his or her life for their country. This was suggested in lieu of conventional mourning attire. The "star" tradition began in WW I when white Service Flags were displayed from homes, business, schools and churches to indicate, by the use of a blue star, each active service member in the U.S. Military. A gold star stitched over a blue star showed the nation those who had given their lives for their country and the devotion and pride of those left behind. This tradition continued through WW II.

In his Letter to the Women's Committee by Pres. Wilson the term "Gold Star Mother" was first used. The Gold Stars not only signified the supreme sacrifice made by the deceased, but intended to give their family a measure of pride and consolation. June 4th, 1928 was the day a group of 25 mothers in Wn DC made plans to begin a national organization to be known as American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.

It was to be a nonpolitical, nondenominational and nonprofit organization. Incorporated on Jan 5, 1929, it had 65 charter members from all areas of the U.S. As recently as June 12, 1984, the ninety-eighth U.S. Congress granted the GSM, Inc. a Federal Charter. A list of purposes and provisions are listed, to include general promotion of peace and good will in: assisting veterans and their dependents in the presentation of claims to the V.A.; perpetuating the memory of those whose lives were sacrificed; giving lessons of patriotism, love of country and respect for the country's flag to local communities and to extend assistance to all GSM. This organization was and is open to all mothers of fallen soldiers of all wars as well as those who have died a service-related death. Presently GSM groups give support to their local veteran's hospitals in many ways and help with and attend veteran's ceremonies. They have their own license plate available, monthly meetings, annual conventions, and are eligible to live at the group's complex, American Gold Star Manor in Long Beach, CA. Upon the death of a son or daughter, the U. S. Gov't provides the mother (and often the other family members) a small gold-star pin.

Perhaps the single most famous mother to have joined was Aletta Sullivan, the mother of the five Sullivan brothers, who were killed in action when their ship, the USS Juneau (CL-52) was sunk on November 13, 1942 during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal.

New Hampshire honors its Gold Star Mothers on the first Sunday following Easter.
September 25, 2009 6:04 AM

Happy Friday

2009-09-25T05:46:00.001-07:00

Good morning and Happy Friday!

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Welcome

2009-09-24T11:43:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Blue Star Mothers of NH blog.

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