American Gold Star Mothers

American Gold Star Mothers. The organization was founded by Grace Darling Seibold, a mother who lost her son in World War I, with the help of General John J. Pershing and other notable figures such as Herbert Hoover and Calvin Coolidge. The American Gold Star Mothers is a non-profit organization that provides support to mothers who have lost a child in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and other United States Armed Forces conflicts, including the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021) and the Iraq War. The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has chapters across the United States, including in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

● History

The American Gold Star Mothers was founded in 1928 by Grace Darling Seibold, who lost her son, George Seibold, in World War I. The organization was established with the help of General John J. Pershing, Herbert Hoover, and Calvin Coolidge, among others. During World War II, the organization grew rapidly, with chapters springing up across the United States, including in Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico. The organization also received support from notable figures such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, and Dwight D. Eisenhower. In the aftermath of the Korean War and the Vietnam War, the organization continued to provide support to mothers who had lost children in combat, including those who served in the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps.

● Organization

The American Gold Star Mothers is a non-profit organization that is governed by a board of directors, which includes notable figures such as Elizabeth Dole and Bob Dole. The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has chapters across the United States, including in California, Texas, and Florida. The organization is also affiliated with other groups, such as the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Disabled American Veterans, which provide support to veterans and their families. The organization receives funding from a variety of sources, including donations from individuals and organizations, such as the Ford Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Walmart Foundation.

● Membership

Membership in the American Gold Star Mothers is open to mothers who have lost a child in military service, including those who served in the United States Armed Forces during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and other conflicts, such as the Gulf War and the War on Terror. Members include mothers such as Cindy Sheehan, who lost her son in the Iraq War, and Janet Langhart Cohen, who lost her son in the Vietnam War. The organization also has associate members, who are mothers who have not lost a child in combat but who support the organization's mission, including Michelle Obama and Jill Biden. Members of the organization participate in a variety of activities, including attending Memorial Day ceremonies, visiting Arlington National Cemetery, and participating in Parade of Heroes events.

● Activities

The American Gold Star Mothers engages in a variety of activities to support mothers who have lost a child in military service, including providing emotional support, advocating for the rights of veterans and their families, and participating in community service projects, such as volunteering at VA hospitals and USO centers. The organization also hosts events, such as the annual Gold Star Mothers Day ceremony, which is held at Arlington National Cemetery and is attended by notable figures such as the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, and the Secretary of Defense. The organization also participates in Wreaths Across America events, which are held at cemeteries across the United States, including Gettysburg National Cemetery and Normandy American Cemetery.

● Notable_members

Notable members of the American Gold Star Mothers include Cindy Sheehan, who lost her son in the Iraq War, and Janet Langhart Cohen, who lost her son in the Vietnam War. Other notable members include Elizabeth Dole, who served as a United States Senator and as the President of the American Red Cross, and Bob Dole, who served as a United States Senator and as the Republican Party nominee for President of the United States in the 1996 presidential election. The organization has also been supported by notable figures such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, who have attended events and provided funding for the organization.

● Symbolism

The American Gold Star Mothers uses a variety of symbols to represent the organization and its mission, including the Gold Star, which is a symbol of a mother's sacrifice and loss. The organization also uses the American flag, which is a symbol of patriotism and national pride, and the Poppy, which is a symbol of remembrance and tribute to those who have died in combat. The organization's logo features a Gold Star surrounded by a wreath of Laurel leaves, which symbolize honor and achievement. The organization's motto, "Honor, Loyalty, Sacrifice", reflects the values of the organization and its members, who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, including those who served in the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps. Category:Veterans' organizations