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Sunday, September 30, 2012

GOLD STAR MOTHER'S DAY


GOLD STAR MOTHER'S DAY PROCLAIMED IN TENNESSEE

Knoxville, Tennessee (JFK+50) Today, celebrated as Gold Star Mother's Day in the United States, is also honored in the state of Tennessee this year by a proclamation issued by Governor Bill Haslam.*

The proclamation was presented on September 22, 2012 to the Volunteer Chapter of the American Gold Star Mothers at the American Legion Post 2 here in Knoxville. 

The chapter represents mothers living in Knox County & surrounding counties of eastern Tennessee who have sons and daughters who lost their lives while on active duty in the armed services of the United States.

Source:  Knoxville News-Sentinel, Sept 29, 2012

*William Edward "Bill" Haslam, born in Knoxville, Tn. in 1958, is the 49th Governor of the state of Tennessee.  He is the son of Jim Haslam, founder of Pilot Oil Corporation.  Before being elected governor, Bill Haslam was Mayor of Knoxville, 2003-2011.



              Jennifer White & Bill Haslam
          Haslam Campaign Headquarters
            Johnson City, Tennessee (2010)

GOLD STAR MOTHER'S DAY

Gold Star Mother's Day is observed nationally on the last Sunday in September.

The President of the United States calls on Americans to display, on this day, the American flag & to publicly express their "love, sorrow & reverence" toward Gold Star Mothers & their families.

The name, "Gold Star Mothers," comes from the custom of families of American service men & women displaying a service flag in the front window of their homes.

A BLUE STAR represented a family member in active service, but this was changed to a GOLD STAR if that son or daughter lost their lives in the service of the United States.

The Gold Star Mother's Organization was formed in 1928 & Gold Star Mother's Day was established by Congress on June 23, 1936.



            Gold Star Mothers Memorial
           Ocala, Florida Memorial Park
         Photo by Mark L. Pearcy (2010)

JFK SAYS HIS MOM IS A GOLD STAR MOTHER TOO

Boston, Massachusetts (JFK+50) John F. Kennedy, Democratic candidate for the 11th District seat in the United States Congress, addressed a group of Gold Star Mothers today.

The young candidate spoke on the war & its impact on the families of men & women in service.

Near the end of his speech, Mr. Kennedy spoke from personal experience when he said:

"I think I know how you mothers must feel because my mother's a Gold Star Mother too."**

**Rose Kennedy lost her first born son, JFK's brother, Joseph P. "Joe" Kennedy, Jr. during World War II.  In 1946, JFK was elected to Congress & sworn in, January 1947.



          World War II Memorial
                Washington, D.C.
       Photo by John White (2011)