Wouldn't it have been appropriate for Bush to have attended the below ceremony? I think so. I continue to predict that many of the new Gold Star Mothers will soon be knocking on the White House door wanting better answers than what they've gotten thusfar. In fact, I think one of 'em should be on the commission investigating this fake war!
>>>October 3, 2003
Gold Star Mothers return to Arlington cemetery
Photo by Michael Norris
Ann Sherman Wolcott, president of the Gold Star Mothers, presents a floral gold star to a tomb guard at a wreathlaying ceremony Sunday at the Tomb of the Unkowns.
by Pfc. Jason L. Johnson
Pentagram staff writer
In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed the last Sunday of September to be American Gold Star Mothers Day.
Last Sunday, veterans and the mothers of soldiers killed in action through the nation's wars gathered at Arlington National Cemetery to recognize the anniversary of the proclamation and to remember the sons and daughters who've lost their lives for their country.
Ceremony speakers included former Military District of Washington commander, retired Maj. Gen. James Jackson, Command Chaplain (Col.) James May and Ann Y. Sherman Wolcott, president of the American Gold Star Mothers.
"We had a beautiful service Sunday," said Wolcott. "And there was a good turnout."
Stories of heroism were related along with a recitation of the births and deaths of fallen soldiers.
"The American Gold Star Mothers was formed in Washington in 1928 after the mounting losses of World War I," said Wolcott. "It was the choice of the mothers to help each other and help the veterans and their families instead of grieving and feeling sorry for [their losses]."
At one time, the group had thousands of members, but today it's been reduced to a little over a thousand, she said.
"We've been praying we wouldn't have any new [gold star mothers]. But since the conflict started in Iraq and Afghanistan, unfortunately we have a couple hundred more mothers out there," Wolcott said. "We would like to talk to those mothers and help them."
She said it was her hope that one day there would be no need for for an organization such as hers.
"My dream is that someday we will not have gold star mothers," said Wolcott. "We will have peace in the world and we can resolve our differences and not have to send our young off to wars. That is my dream.
"We're just a group of ladies trying to survive and deal with our emotions day-by-day by helping other people who need help," Wolcott said.<<<
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