Governor Haslam Proclaims Gold Star Mother's Day; Mothers of Fallen Heroes Remembered on September 29

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder today announced September 29, 2013 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.

“I would like to ask my fellow Tennesseans to pause this weekend to remember the Gold Star Mothers who have lost their heroic children to service to our country,” Grinder said.  “Their sacrifice, loss and perseverance are worthy of our recognition, remembrance and respect.”

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.