Free Republic

WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2009 – Ruth Stonesifer dreamed of a quiet life in Kintnersville, Penn., passing her days quilting for her three grandchildren. Left, Ruth Stonesifer and her son Kristofor pose for a picture in July 2001, just months before the Army Ranger was killed in an October 2001 helicopter crash over Pakistan, and right, Ruth pictured today. Ruth is now the president of American Gold Star Mothers Inc., a nonprofit group made up of mothers who have lost sons and daughters in the line of duty while serving in the U.S. armed forces. Courtesy photos  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution...

Seven months after she poured out her heartbreak in a wrenching letter to then President-elect Obama, the mother of murdered Brooklyn Marine Sgt. Jan Pawel Pietrzak finally got a response - a form letter. "Thank you for contacting President Obama," the note to Henryka Pietrzak-Varga begins. "We hope the issue you brought to the President's attention has been resolved." Pietrzak-Varga, whose son and daughter-in-law were tortured and murdered last year allegedly by four other Marines, told a Polish newspaper she doubts Obama saw her letter. "This is a standard response, something that can be sent out to anyone for any...

Marie Gardner, a past President of The Gold Star Mothers past away last friday and I thought others should know about her passing. What surprised me about this is, I did a search for an article and was dumbfounded...not a peep, nada,nothing in the news. A woman who met Presidents, spoke nationally, received awards...nothing! More can be found at the PGR site

When Spencer Timothy Karol, born April 13, 1983, the oldest of Bridget Madison's four sons, was growing up, he was a well-liked kid with a big smile and gentle and helpful manner; a "big brother" who watched over his three younger brothers and assumed "man of the house" responsibilities early and easily and without complaint. Learning values instilled in him early in his life by his famous grandfather, movie and television star Guy Madison, to whom he was very close, Spencer never had troubled teenage years with drugs or alcohol, fights or problems at school. Although he was not interested...

Today President Bush sent Michael Mukasey’s official nomination to the Senate. (Transcript) The president also proclaimed September 30 as “Gold Star Mother’s Day”. (Transcript) Since 1936, the last Sunday in September has been reserved for Gold Star Mothers. The president is authorized to issue an annual proclamation in its observance. President Bush: America's Gold Star Mothers are remarkable patriots who serve their communities by demonstrating good citizenship, providing support and services to our troops and veterans, and helping comfort the families whose loved ones have made the ultimate sacrifice. Their sense of duty and deep devotion to our country inspire...

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., July 13, 2006 – Time hasn't completely healed Betty Jean Pulliam's wounds, and talking about her son can still bring a tear to her eye. New Jersey State Police troopers escort Betty Jean Pulliam of Wichita, Kan., to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial July 9. The American Gold Star Mothers Inc., held a ceremony there to honor all children lost in service to the United States. Photo by Samantha L. Quigley  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Marine Lance Cpl. Dale Alan Pulliam was 21 years, two months and one day old when he was...

HOLMDEL, N.J., July 11, 2006 – U.S. military men and women have given the Iraqi people hope, Iraq's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations said during a July 9 ceremony here at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial. Molly Morel, an American Gold Star Mother from Tennessee, talks with Ambassador Feisal Amin al-Istrabadi, Iraq's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations. Photo by Samantha L. Quigley  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Feisal Amin al-Istrabadi spoke to a group of American Gold Star Mothers, mothers who have lost a child in the service of the United States. The...

HOLMDEL, N.J., July 10, 2006 – More than 40 American Gold Star Mothers and their guests from around the country came together here yesterday to honor the children they've lost in the country's conflicts. Members of American Gold Star Mothers Inc., are escorted by New Jersey State Troopers to the New Jersey Vietnam Memorial. A ceremony at the memorial July 9 honored the mothers and the children they lost in America's conflicts. Photo by Samantha L. Quigley  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The ceremony, held at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial here, included a roll call honoring...

Hannity & Baldwin

(CNSNews.com) - A number of Gold Star military families say they are "thoroughly disgusted with Cindy Sheehan and her publicity stunts." Sheehan was arrested outside the White House this week, during a protest to mark the death of the 2000th soldier in Iraq. Sheehan and other anti-war protesters staged a "die-in," lying head to toe on the sidewalk. (See related story) Sheehan's shenanigans have offended other Americans who also have lost loved ones in Iraq: "We, the parents and family members of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who have served and given their lives defending America in Operation Iraqi Freedom...are...

When Cindy Sheehan showed up outside of President Bush's Crawford, TX ranch in August, it was, to a certain degree, understandable that there would be some press coverage. She was there, the media was there, there wasn't alot to talk about. But the coverage was weak and biased in almost all cases, carrying her message uncritically, with no evaluation of who she was or what she was saying. The attitude seemed to be that she lost her son, she was criticizing the President, so she was credible and newsworthy, no matter what else there was in her views and attitudes....

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NATIONAL MILITARY FAMILY ORGANIZATIONS SAY: STOP USING ‘GOLD STAR’ IMMEDIATELY WASHINGTON, D.C., August 23, 2005 – Four national military family organizations are calling for an end to the misuse of one of the nation’s most sacred symbols – the Gold Star – to politicize efforts for ending the war in Iraq.The American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., Gold Star Wives of America, Inc., Sons and Daughters In Touch and American WWII Orphans Network oppose the use of and reference to the ‘Gold Star’ in the political demonstrations being carried out in Texas and other parts of the...

Margaret Johnson, 54, came to the District yesterday to remember her 29-year-old son and honor his sacrifice. Clutching a photograph of Army Capt. Christopher Johnson, the American Gold Star Mother said she couldn't be more proud of him. "He did make a difference in this world; I don't care what anyone says," said Mrs. Johnson, of Excelsior Springs, Mo. "I am here to speak for my son. I am here to support him. He knew the cost of freedom and that it was not free, and he volunteered to go to Iraq anyway." A member of the 25th Infantry Division...

Ryan Bowman, of Philadelphia, Penn., holds a sign on the National Mall in support of U.S. troops fighting abroad on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2005 in Washington. Across the street were anti-war demonstrators. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (According to this FR thread, . Ryan Bowman, served 12 months in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division, from February 2003 to February 2004.) A group of demonstrators who chose not to be identified huddle during a rally on the National Mall in support of U.S. troops fighting abroad on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2005 in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Hundreds of demonstrators stand on the...

WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2005 – Their message was simple: "We support our troops," said rally organizer Kristinn Taylor. "We love them and we support their mission." "We know that what they are doing is just and noble," he added. "We remember what happened on Sept. 11. We know that it's because of the sacrifices that they are making day in and day out, night and day, that we have not had another terrorist attack on our soil." "Keep doing what you're doing," agreed Kevin Bush of Reston, Va. "We all love you; we all support you; and it's worth it."...

Diane Ibbotson came to the District amid yesterday's anti-war protest to support U.S. efforts in Iraq and say her enlisted son died for a worthy cause. "I know the loss. I know the grief," Mrs. Ibbotson said. Her son, Army Cpl. Forest Jostes, 21, was killed in Iraq alongside the son of Cindy Sheehan, the California woman whom the media has made a recognizable face of the anti-war movement. "But," Mrs. Ibbotson said, "a mother's grief, as deep as it goes, does not justify undermining the morale of the United States armed forces while we are at war." Mrs. Ibbotson...

<p>I am heading down to the Rally site now, to help with setting up - which began at 5am today. I didn't know if someone would post a live thread later. My apologies if I have stepped on any toes.</p>

As Congress this week honored parents whose sons or daughters have been killed in Iraq, some families said Cindy Sheehan and her anti-war group do not represent them and are disrespecting the fallen soldiers. "You can't call into question the integrity of the commander in chief without having it call into question the integrity of those under his command," said Diane Ibbotson, whose son Army Cpl. Forest Jostes, 21, died in April 2004 outside Baghdad. "Let's talk about the things they've accomplished," she said, listing the end of Saddam Hussein's dictatorship, Iraq's first free elections, and the building of schools...

WASHINGTON - President Bush paid tribute to the nation's Gold Star mothers on Wednesday, honoring the deaths of their sons and daughters in the military as activists began gathering for an Iraq anti-war protest on Saturday. Bush proclaimed Sunday as Gold Star Mother's Day and instructed that the U.S. flag be flown over government buildings. He also urged Americans to display the flag as well. "On Gold Star Mother's Day, we recognize and pray for the devoted and patriotic mothers of these men and women in uniform who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our liberty," the president...

Report from the Cheyenne, Wyoming rally this morning during the bus tour stop at the state Capitol. === I started my drive from Boulder to Cheyenne at 5:00am arriving at about 6:30am. === Capitol building at dawn upon arriving in townThe only person who had arrived before me was Don Edmonds, the father of a fallen Army Ranger. === Proud father Don Edmunds holding a picture of his son and American hero, fallen Army Ranger Jonn Edmunds, in action 10/19/01, Afghanistan.While talking to Mr. Edmunds I discovered that he had arrived much earlier than I to raise the flag of...

Asking for Help

Help for the famillies.

PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. - A Jamaica-born woman whose U.S. Marine son died fighting in Iraq has finally been welcomed into the American Gold Star Mothers, which had banned non-citizens for the first 77 years of its existence. Within an hour she was enthralling fellow members with a moving description of her son's devotion to America, "which he chose to be his country."Carmen Palmer, of Mount Vernon, learned that her application had been accepted when she arrived Wednesday night for the screening of a film dedicated to women who have lost children in combat.Judith Young, president of the Washington-based American Gold Star...

A Gold Star mom who lost her son in Iraq said Sunday that there was enough evidence that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction to justify going to war against Saddam Hussein. "I have no concern about there being weapons of mass destruction of some regard there, that were going to be used against Americans," Rhonda Winfield told "Fox News Sunday." Mrs. Winfield was responding to fellow Gold Star mother Barbara Porchia, who insisted during the same segment that there were no WMDs in Iraq. "I have seen photos of entire fighter jets buried in the sand", Mrs. Winfield countered....

Though they don’t receive nearly the amount of coverage that Cindy Sheehan has enjoyed, America needs to recognize the sentiments of its Blue-Star and Gold Star Mothers. Blue-Star Mothers are those who have grown sons and daughters serving in the armed forces, and Gold-Star Mothers are those who had sons and daughters who have died while serving their county in the armed forces. The other day a Blue Star Mother took up the cause to speak out against the lies and distortions of Cindy Sheehan. Deborah Johns represents the patriotic Blue Star Mothers. Blue Star Mothers along with Gold Star...

Judith Young knew the new job would be difficult, that she would face challenges as president of the American Gold Star Mothers, a national nonprofit organization of women who lost sons and daughters in war. But the Moorestown resident had no idea how tough she'd have it. Part of the difficulty is linked to one mother's antiwar protest outside President Bush's ranch in Texas. Yet even before Young took office in June at the group's convention near Dallas, she found the Gold Star Mothers, a group that eschews politics, embroiled in controversy. First came the phoned and e-mailed threats and...

Beginnings When the United States entered World War I in 1917, George Vaughn Seibold, 23, volunteered, requesting assignment in aviation. He was sent to Canada where he learned to fly British planes since the United States had neither an air force nor planes. Deployed to England, he was assigned to the British Royal Flying Corps, 148th Aero Squadron. With his squadron, he left for combat duty in France. He corresponded with his family regularly. His mother, Grace Darling Seibold, began to do community service by visiting returning servicemen in the hospitals. The mail from George stopped. Since all aviators...

DALLAS, Texas (AP) -- A group for mothers whose children died in war voted Monday to allow non-U.S. citizens to join, after coming under criticism for denying membership to a Filipina mother whose son was killed in Afghanistan. The 1929 charter of American Gold Star Mothers had prevented foreign citizens from joining. Earlier this year, the organization's 12-member executive board voted against changing the rule. That prevented Ligaya Lagman, of Yonkers, New York, from joining, although she is a legal resident and her son, 27-year-old son Army Staff Sgt. Anthony Lagman, was a U.S. citizen. After hearing about her interest...

YONKERS, N.Y. - A Yonkers woman has dropped her bid to become a Gold Star Mother. Ligaya Lagman was denied acceptance by the organization of mothers who have lost sons and daughter in combat because she is not a U.S. citizen. Bob Foster of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Eastchester tells the Journal News that Lagman is shaken up by all the attention she has gotten and she wants to stay on the sidelines. But she wants to see the rules changed so other mothers are not turned down like she was. Lagman came to the United States from...

(you have to follow the link - the article can't be posted) http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050526/NEWS02/505260324

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Everyone agrees that Ligaya Lagman (search) is a Gold Star mother, part of the long line of mournful women whose sons or daughters gave their lives for their country. Her 27-year-old son, Army Staff Sgt. Anthony Lagman (search), was killed last year in Afghanistan, but American Gold Star Mothers Inc., has rejected Lagman, a Filipino, for membership because — though a permanent resident and a taxpayer — she is not a U.S. citizen. http://www.goldstarmoms.com/

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- Everyone agrees that Ligaya Lagman is a Gold Star mother, part of the long, mournful line of women whose sons or daughters were killed in combat for the U.S. armed services. Her 27-year-old son, Army Staff Sgt. Anthony Lagman, was killed last year in Afghanistan when his unit came under fire during a mission to drive out remnants of Taliban and al-Qaida forces. "There's nothing we can do because that's what our organization says: You have to be an American citizen," national President Ann Herd said Thursday. "We can't go changing the rules every time the...

<p>Michael and Jane Curtin, at home in Howell, N.J., with a photo of their hero son, Cpl. Michael Curtin, wrote a letter to the troops in Iraq.</p> <p>December 25, 2003 -- Proudly displayed alongside the holly boughs and evergreen wreaths in the home of Joan and Michael Curtin is a gold-star flag - a sign that a soldier who died in combat lived there.</p>

GOLD STAR MOTHERS Started with a group of twenty-five In the year of twenty-eight By those who'd lost a Son or Daughter From the wartime's cruel fate. When the Blue Star on the Service Flag Was replaced with one of Gold Everybody knew a Mother grieved With a loss from that household. "Out of tragedy, we were formed" And, "Out of love we continue." This legacy of Gold Star Mothers With the heartache, that they knew. They use the memories and love Of those who gave their all To help those other Veterans Who answered our Nation's call. It's so...

Gold Star Mother's Day, 2003 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As members of America's Armed Forces now protect our country by engaging the enemies of freedom in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and on other fronts in the war against terrorism, they carry on a noble legacy. Today, Americans and millions around the world enjoy freedom because of the service and sacrifice of our military men and women. The cost of America's freedom is often personal. Few pay more dearly than our Gold Star Mothers, who have endured the death of a son or daughter...

<p>That Our Sons Did Not Die in Vain On losing a child in the cause of freedom.</p> <p>The debate over whether our cause in Iraq is just rages in the media with one expert after another shouting to be heard. With the second anniversary of Sept. 11 upon us, this endless second-guessing about our decision to go to war has me frantically flipping channels to get away from it all.</p>

Dorothy Oxendine presides over American Gold Star Mothers Inc., a national organization of women whose sons and daughters have died in military service to the nation. (Photo by Mark Abraham) AMERICAN IDENTITY With the Iraq War, a New Generation of Gold Star Mothers BY DELIA M. RIOS More stories by Delia M. Rios WASHINGTON -- As Dorothy Oxendine knows, the most dreaded words a parent can hear are "We regret to inform you ..." She lost her only son, Pfc. Willie F. Oxendine III, to a land mine in Vietnam on May 30, 1968. His death at age 21...

You really should be sitting down when you read this one. Gold Star Mothers is an organization made up of women whose sons were killed in military combat during service in the United States armed forces. Recently a delegation of New York State Gold Star Mothers made a trip to Washington, DC to discuss various concerns with their elected representatives. According to published reports, there was only one politician who refused to meet with these ladies. Can you guess which politician that might be? Was it New York Senator Charles Schumer? Nope, he met with them. Try again. Do you...