Marie Jon
Riders who point to the stars
By Marie Jon
If you have not already heard of the Blue Star Mothers, please pay attention. They began their organization on January 22, 1942. Captain George H. Maines came up with the idea to form The Blue Star Mothers after sending out a request in the Flint News Advertiser. The story asked mothers of servicemen to fill out an information packet and return it to the address that was given in the flyer. Surprisingly, more than 300 mothers responded.
They held their first meeting at the Duran Hotel, in Flint, Michigan. Growing very rapidly, the Blue Star Mothers soon became a permanent organization, as mothers became more and more interested.
On February 6, 1942, the organization was officially entered in the Congressional Record. The initial chapters were formed in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, New York, Oregon, and California. More chapters soon sprang up in Iowa and in Washington, DC. By June of 1960, the organization was chartered by the United States Congress.
The Blue Star Mothers worked voluntarily through all the tough times of World War ll. They volunteered in hospitals, and at train stations. They sent care packages to troops who then were working with America's Homeland Security. In recent years, this marvelous patriotic group has grown.
Today, the Blue Star Mothers have chapters all over the USA. These incredible mothers have pride in the fact that their children, and others, are protecting our freedom during a time of war. The organization gives support to active duty men and women serving their country. The Blue Star Mothers promote patriotism as they assist veteran organizations. They stand at the ready to give of their time in whatever capacity, all in the belief of keeping America strong.
These self-sacrificing mothers support each other emotionally, as well as give aid to each other in any way that is necessary. Sadly, their sons and daughters who have volunteered their service to their country do not always come home alive. Many that do return suffer severe physical disabilities after they are released from the armed forces.
The Blue Star Mothers work with various government agencies, as well as the Veteran's Administration behind the scenes. They often direct families to the correct departments to receive help for their wounded sons or daughters. They are constantly raising money and giving what they can to the families of the troops.
Lately, the public has become aware of a group that has shown up at the funerals of America's fallen heroes in order to protect the families. Protect from whom, or what , you say? Unfortunately, there are people in the country who wish to show their utter lack of dignity and display their disdain by protesting at the funerals of the men and woman who have valiantly fought in Iraq and Afghanistan.
These decidedly un-American groups are often confronted by counter-protesters in the form of motorcyclists — The Blue Star Riders and The Patriot Guard Riders. They attend the funerals to help maintain the dignity of the service, and protect the grieving families. In a peaceful manner, they keep the protesters "invisible" from the eyes of the grieving families. Both groups are composed of men and woman from all walks of life. Many are veterans, and many other's are fathers and mothers who have loved ones that are serving, and have served.
Beginning in California, the Blue Star Riders were organized by a Vietnam Veteran named Richard "Wolf" Hamilton. Mr. Hamilton took an interest in the troops because of who he is. As a veteran, Hamilton vowed that the liberal press would never again destroy the valor of those who came home after serving their country.
The Blue Star Riders began their existence with a torch ceremony called "The Ceremony Torch Circle." This is done to pay tribute and to honor those who have sacrificed by giving their all for the good of American. The torch represents the everlasting light of the soldiers' lives who have died for freedom. Their lives will be written in the Lamb's book of life. (Revelation 20:12)
Born in New York City, Hamilton joined the service at the age of eighteen to serve in Vietnam. When he left to serve his country, people where already — and openly — maligning American soldiers. They disparaged returning Vietnam soldiers by calling them "Baby Killers."
One can thank the likes of former Democratic presidential front-runner Senator John Kerry for that, as well as those that populated (and still do) the mainstream media. Today, we see the same disgraceful pattern being shown to our military men and women through the media, and Democrats like Congressman John Murtha.
But the efforts of Hamilton and the Riders are somewhat unique, for one of their jobs is to be within the public eye and bring attention to the Blue Star Mothers.
To the patriotic men and woman throughout America, I would say this: Do not presume that the "other guy" will do the heavy-lifting of supporting our armed services, and their families. We have to keep America strong by supporting the mothers and fathers of our troops. Help support groups such as The Blue and Gold Star Mothers financially, and give them your heartfelt thanks. As patriotic Americans who believe in our armed services, we must lift up and champion all organizations that give the much-needed support to these families of our fallen heroes.
There is an element in this country that originates from the political left, and it is determined to undermine the country. We are at war with terror. Yet, one would think upon hearing the stridency of the left that the real enemies are that of George W. Bush and all branches of the armed services. The Blue and Gold Star families understand this better than anyone.
It is time for the rest of America to step up. Shake the hands and thank any serviceman and woman you see in the airports traveling to and fro. Teach your children well about respect for those who are doing the most to bring peace to this turmoil and troubled world. God bless the United States armed forces, The Blue Star Mothers, The Gold Star Mothers, The Blue Star Riders, and The Patriot Guard Riders.
Related Links
The Blue Star Riders Website
http://www.bluestarriders.com/
The Patriot Guard Riders
http://www.patriotguard.org/
The Modesto Blue Star Mothers
http://www.mcvbluestarmothers.org/
"The Ceremony Torch Circle" "The Blue Star Mothers of Modesto
Modesto Troop Support Rally
http://imageevent.com/flyover/modesttroopsupportrally
The Blue Star Mother's Home Website
http://www.bluestarmothers.org/
The Gold Star Mother's website
http://www.goldstarmoms.com/agsm/Home/index.htm
Vietnam Veterans Against Senator John Kerry
http://www.vietnamveteransagainstjohnkerry.com/
© Marie Jon
If you have not already heard of the Blue Star Mothers, please pay attention. They began their organization on January 22, 1942. Captain George H. Maines came up with the idea to form The Blue Star Mothers after sending out a request in the Flint News Advertiser. The story asked mothers of servicemen to fill out an information packet and return it to the address that was given in the flyer. Surprisingly, more than 300 mothers responded.
They held their first meeting at the Duran Hotel, in Flint, Michigan. Growing very rapidly, the Blue Star Mothers soon became a permanent organization, as mothers became more and more interested.
On February 6, 1942, the organization was officially entered in the Congressional Record. The initial chapters were formed in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, New York, Oregon, and California. More chapters soon sprang up in Iowa and in Washington, DC. By June of 1960, the organization was chartered by the United States Congress.
The Blue Star Mothers worked voluntarily through all the tough times of World War ll. They volunteered in hospitals, and at train stations. They sent care packages to troops who then were working with America's Homeland Security. In recent years, this marvelous patriotic group has grown.
Today, the Blue Star Mothers have chapters all over the USA. These incredible mothers have pride in the fact that their children, and others, are protecting our freedom during a time of war. The organization gives support to active duty men and women serving their country. The Blue Star Mothers promote patriotism as they assist veteran organizations. They stand at the ready to give of their time in whatever capacity, all in the belief of keeping America strong.
These self-sacrificing mothers support each other emotionally, as well as give aid to each other in any way that is necessary. Sadly, their sons and daughters who have volunteered their service to their country do not always come home alive. Many that do return suffer severe physical disabilities after they are released from the armed forces.
The Blue Star Mothers work with various government agencies, as well as the Veteran's Administration behind the scenes. They often direct families to the correct departments to receive help for their wounded sons or daughters. They are constantly raising money and giving what they can to the families of the troops.
Lately, the public has become aware of a group that has shown up at the funerals of America's fallen heroes in order to protect the families. Protect from whom, or what , you say? Unfortunately, there are people in the country who wish to show their utter lack of dignity and display their disdain by protesting at the funerals of the men and woman who have valiantly fought in Iraq and Afghanistan.
These decidedly un-American groups are often confronted by counter-protesters in the form of motorcyclists — The Blue Star Riders and The Patriot Guard Riders. They attend the funerals to help maintain the dignity of the service, and protect the grieving families. In a peaceful manner, they keep the protesters "invisible" from the eyes of the grieving families. Both groups are composed of men and woman from all walks of life. Many are veterans, and many other's are fathers and mothers who have loved ones that are serving, and have served.
Beginning in California, the Blue Star Riders were organized by a Vietnam Veteran named Richard "Wolf" Hamilton. Mr. Hamilton took an interest in the troops because of who he is. As a veteran, Hamilton vowed that the liberal press would never again destroy the valor of those who came home after serving their country.
The Blue Star Riders began their existence with a torch ceremony called "The Ceremony Torch Circle." This is done to pay tribute and to honor those who have sacrificed by giving their all for the good of American. The torch represents the everlasting light of the soldiers' lives who have died for freedom. Their lives will be written in the Lamb's book of life. (Revelation 20:12)
Born in New York City, Hamilton joined the service at the age of eighteen to serve in Vietnam. When he left to serve his country, people where already — and openly — maligning American soldiers. They disparaged returning Vietnam soldiers by calling them "Baby Killers."
One can thank the likes of former Democratic presidential front-runner Senator John Kerry for that, as well as those that populated (and still do) the mainstream media. Today, we see the same disgraceful pattern being shown to our military men and women through the media, and Democrats like Congressman John Murtha.
But the efforts of Hamilton and the Riders are somewhat unique, for one of their jobs is to be within the public eye and bring attention to the Blue Star Mothers.
To the patriotic men and woman throughout America, I would say this: Do not presume that the "other guy" will do the heavy-lifting of supporting our armed services, and their families. We have to keep America strong by supporting the mothers and fathers of our troops. Help support groups such as The Blue and Gold Star Mothers financially, and give them your heartfelt thanks. As patriotic Americans who believe in our armed services, we must lift up and champion all organizations that give the much-needed support to these families of our fallen heroes.
There is an element in this country that originates from the political left, and it is determined to undermine the country. We are at war with terror. Yet, one would think upon hearing the stridency of the left that the real enemies are that of George W. Bush and all branches of the armed services. The Blue and Gold Star families understand this better than anyone.
It is time for the rest of America to step up. Shake the hands and thank any serviceman and woman you see in the airports traveling to and fro. Teach your children well about respect for those who are doing the most to bring peace to this turmoil and troubled world. God bless the United States armed forces, The Blue Star Mothers, The Gold Star Mothers, The Blue Star Riders, and The Patriot Guard Riders.
Related Links
The Blue Star Riders Website
http://www.bluestarriders.com/
The Patriot Guard Riders
http://www.patriotguard.org/
The Modesto Blue Star Mothers
http://www.mcvbluestarmothers.org/
"The Ceremony Torch Circle" "The Blue Star Mothers of Modesto
Modesto Troop Support Rally
http://imageevent.com/flyover/modesttroopsupportrally
The Blue Star Mother's Home Website
http://www.bluestarmothers.org/
The Gold Star Mother's website
http://www.goldstarmoms.com/agsm/Home/index.htm
Vietnam Veterans Against Senator John Kerry
http://www.vietnamveteransagainstjohnkerry.com/
© Marie Jon
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(See RenewAmerica's publishing standards.)
