Sept. 24: Gold Star Mothers & Family Day

Open Letter from American Legion Post Commander

(ROCKWALL, TX – Sept. 23, 2017) Many outside the military don’t know what a Gold Star Mother is or what Gold Star Families are. When an active-duty service member dies, his or her mother automatically becomes a Gold Star Mother. It’s a distinction that no mother wants, but it’s one they wear proudly.

The tradition of the Gold Star began during World War II. During the early days of the war, a blue star was used on service flags and hung in homes and businesses to represent each living active-duty member. As men were killed in combat, the gold star was superimposed on the blue star to honor the person for his ultimate sacrifice to the country. Eventually, the mothers of those fallen service members became known as Gold Star Mothers, and their families Gold Star Families.

September 24th 2017 is Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day for 2017. Since the inception of the Royse City American Legion post I have gotten to know the West and Grillett Families. The West family lost Tracy Laramore in Iraq in 2004 and the Grillett’s lost Jerod Osborne in 2010 in Afghanistan. Both families have endured a loss that no family should have to endure. I want us to take time out of our busy lives and say a prayer for the families who have lost a loved one and remember the sacrifices these families have to endure long after their loved one have left their mark on this world.

Submitted by Jason Castleberry, Post Commander, Laramore-Osborne American Legion Post 100

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