Today is NH Gold Star Mothers’ Day.
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.
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.
The official legislation creating NH Gold Star Mothers’ Day provides that the Governor shall "urge the citizens of the state to observe this day with appropriate events."
And that is certainly the case this year. First, earlier this week we saw the official unveiling of NH Gold Star license plates in a special ceremony in Concord. In a moving event, NH Gold Star Mothers received their plates, reminding them that the Granite State honors them, their sacrifice, and the memory of their children who died in service to our Country.
NH Gold Star Mothers License Plates
Slideshow of NH Gold Star Moms receiving their special license plates.
Today at noon, NH’s own Gold Star Mothers Chapter becomes a reality as its first slate of officers gets inducted at a ceremony at the New Hampshire National Guard Armory in Manchester. Also happening today, the NH Gold Star Mothers Memorial Association (not affiliated with NHGSM) will break ground for its memorial statue in Manchester’s Stanton Plaza.
While certainly no amount of memorials and ceremonies can bring back those who have been lost, at least for those left behind, especially the Mothers, there is solace in the fact that NH’s citizens have not forgotten…[UPDATE: Our buddy, 2nd CD candidate Grant Bosse attended both events and has pictures posted at his blog here.]