Governor Haslam Proclaims Gold Star Mother's Day

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and state Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder today announced September 30, 2012 as Gold Star Mother’s Day.

On June 4, 1928, the members of a group led by Grace Darling Seibold of Washington, D.C., established American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. to provide support for mothers in the United States who lost sons or daughters in World War I.  The name of the national organization was inspired by the custom of service members’ families hanging a service flag in the window of their homes.  The service flag had a star for each family member serving in the military.  Living service men were represented by a blue star and those who lost their lives were represented by a gold star.

In June 1936, the President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day.  That tradition continues by remembering mothers whose sons and daughters made the supreme sacrifice for their country.

“For many mothers who suffer the unimaginable tragedy of losing their child while they are selflessly serving our country, there is little comfort,” Grinder said.  “However, it is our duty and privilege to communicate to our Gold Star Mothers that we will not forget their sons and daughters.”

Assistant Commissioner Yvette Martinez presented the Governor’s Gold Star Mother’s Day Proclamation during the Tennessee Marine Family Annual Gold Star Banquet in Nashville on September 15, 2012.  Assistant Commissioner Don Smith also presented the proclamation to the Volunteer Chapter of the American Gold Star Mothers in Knoxville on September 22, 2012. 

For more information regarding the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs, visit the department’s web site at www.tn.gov/veteran, facebook/myTDVA or twitter @TNDVA.

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