INWINSR

THIS EXHIBIT WAS IN THE LOBBY OF THE RADNOR MEMORIAL LIBRARY DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER  2011

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WHAT IS AN “AMERICAN GOLD STAR MOTHER”?

American Gold Star Mothers are Mothers whose sons or daughters served and died in the line of duty in the Armed Forces during WWI, WWII, the Korean conflict, Vietnam and other Strategic Areas, as members of the Armed Forces of the United States or its allies, or died as a result of injuries or illness sustained in such service.

On June 4, 1928, American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. was organized as a non-denominational, non-profit, and non-political national organization. They are federally chartered by Congress.

American Gold Star Mothers assist veterans in Veteran Administration Medical Centers throughout the nation. The organization is a member of the Advisory Board of the Veterans Administration Voluntary Service. They extend needful assistance to all Gold Star Mothers and when possible, to their descendants. The women perpetuate the memory of those whose lives were sacrificed in our wars and conflicts. They further patriotism and love of country, inspire respect for the Stars and Stripes in the youth of America. The American Gold Star Mothers promote peace and good will for the United States of America and all other nations.

  On September 14, 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued a proclamation designating the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mothers Day. On this day, a service is conducted in Arlington National Cemetery honoring all Gold Star Mothers for their sacrifices. The President places a Gold Star Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Servicemen and also at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC.  Their national headquarters is located at 2128 Leroy Place, N. W., Washington, DC. This is where the National Executive Board meets and also where a bi-monthly publication is printed.

A national home for Gold Star Mothers and Dads is located in Long Beach, CA. It provides low cost housing and offers many recreational activities. Also, it gives the opportunity for companionship with others who share a common bond.

American Gold Star Mothers will always feel their losses but they do not dwell on mourning. Instead, they live by their dedicated purposes and service—that this world might be a better place to live.

Very special thanks to long-time Library user Julie Pierce of West Avenue in Wayne, PA, for her dogged research and investigation into the history of The Gold Star Mothers and for her support of  Radnor Historical Society. Julie’s grandmother sailed aboard the S.S. Roosevelt in June of 1931 to visit the U.S. National Cemetery in France where her Uncle Anthony Amodei is buried. Thank you so much to Lynn Ellis of the Radnor Historical Society, for gathering all the exhibit items and installing them in the lobby of Radnor Memorial Library. We are very grateful to The Bateman-Gallagher American Legion Post 668 for providing photographs for the exhibit. We are all so proud to tell the story of The American Gold Star Mothers.