Gold Star Mother’s Day: ‘We draw strength from example’ By Commanding General Maj. Gen. Paul J. LaCamera 4th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Carson Most of us can only imagine the pain of a parent who loses a child in combat, the husband or wife who loses a spouse or the son or daughter who loses a father or mother. This week, (Sept. 28, 2014), we honor the sacrifice of our Gold Star Mothers and the Families of our fallen. During World War I, flags were displayed in homes, businesses, schools and churches with a blue star sewn on for each military servicemember. A gold star was stitched over the blue one when one of those in service had fallen. From this simple expression of community solidarity, the Gold Star Mothers — an organization of mothers who have lost a son or daughter in war — was born. In 1936, Congress designated the last Sunday in September as the day to remember those who have lost their sons and daughters in service to the nation. One day is not enough though. The bond these women share, forged through loss, reaches across time to every woman who has lost a son or daughter in military service from the American Revolution to the present day. We cherish the mothers of our Soldiers as foundations of support and comfort. They, and their Families, are legacies of their children’s service, bravery and strength. In their homes there are empty chairs and folded flags above the mantle. There is loss but there is also comfort in the knowledge that their loved ones served faithfully and courageously, and selflessly laid down their lives in defense of freedom. We draw strength from the example of our Gold Star Mothers. They are an inspiration to our Joint Task Force Carson Family because they exemplify courage, grace and fortitude in the face of immense sorrow. I urge each of you to take time this Sunday to remember the unbroken line of patriots who have given their lives for the land they love and the loved ones they have left behind. Those we have lost will not be forgotten. On behalf of a grateful nation, we salute our Gold Star Mothers. They are, and always will be, members of our Army Family. On behalf of the Joint Task Force Carson community, I would like to express our sympathy and respect to all of our Gold Star Mothers and all Gold Star Families. We promise to keep your loved one’s memory alive. We recognize your courage, and we honor the legacy of the Fallen — our Soldiers, your sons and daughters. Strength and Respect. Steadfast and Loyal.
Posted on: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 15:00:01 +0000