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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. Grace D. Seibold, who lost her son, 1st Lieutenant George Seibold, in France, is recognized as the first “Gold Star” mother.
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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.
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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.
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Each year, this observance is an opportunity to offer our solemn respect to Gold Star Mothers and renew our ongoing pledge that New Hampshire will always remember those who died while wearing the uniform of the United States and forever honor their families’ sacrifice.
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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.."
From Karen Thurston, Blue Star Mothers of NH