Gold Star Mom Cynthia Garcia and President George W. Bush
Posted on 09/26/2010 3:17:12 PM PDT by nickcarraway
The last Sunday in September is Gold Star Mother's Day, a day meant for people to honor mothers who have lost a son or daughter while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
On Saturday night, former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush hosted a reception in their Dallas home for local Gold Star Mothers and Blue Star Mothers. Blue Star Mothers are mothers that have a soldier serving their country right now.
NBCDFW assignment editor Cynthia Garcia was invited to the reception as a Gold Star Mother.
On May 27, 2006, her son Corporal J. Adan "Adam" Garcia, 20, succumbed to the injuries he sustained five days earlier during combat in Iraq while serving as a Combat Engineer with the 10th Mountain Division of the United States Army.
This is Cynthia Garcia's account of the reception at the Bush home in Dallas.
I attended the event as a Gold Star mother, only because I am always honored when someone continues to remember our soldiers who gave their lives for our freedom. I also wanted to meet the President and his wife. I had mentally prepared myself for a somber reception with a room full of crying mothers and just a heavy atmosphere, as these functions always bring back haunting memories for everyone.
I was nervous as I got out of my car and handed it to the valet in front of the Bush’s home and even more nervous to see the number of Secret Service agents at their posts keeping a watchful eye on everyone. I gave my name and showed my ID like I was asked and then I was taken inside. The home was full, about 80 women or so.
I was quickly taken to the Bush’s living room to have my picture taken with them. They hugged and kissed me and comforted me and thanked me for attending. I was greeted by them as if they had not seen an old friend in a long time. I felt calm and at ease. I had it together. I wasn’t about to break down. Not until he asked, tell me about your soldier.Then I lost it! Right before the picture was taken. Great!
We were then asked to take a seat as the President would welcome us and thank us for attending the reception. He went on to tell us how proud he is of our soldiers and how safe he always felt when being around them. Getting emotional at times he continued to thank us for raising such strong and unselfish men and women. He reminded us that our soldiers/children did not die in vain, and that our soldiers freed a lot of people and protected a lot of people for which he is eternally grateful. There was not a dry eye in the room. You can tell he is extremely patriotic.
The President then asked if we had any questions or comments. One mother went on to tell him how much people miss him and love him, he thanked her and in a laughing voice said "all except the guy that threw the shoe at me huh? Was that crazy or what?" We were all chuckling, then I said to him, 'that’s alright Mr. President, I’m Mexican, our mothers throw shoes at us all the time! I’m amazed you knew how to duck so fast!" The whole room chuckled and felt more at ease and continued to speak with him.
He asked us to please go eat some cheese and crackers otherwise he would be eating that for the rest of his life.
Mr. President came over to me at the cheese table and wanted to know more about my son. He thought I was pretty funny.
Thanks, Mr. President and Mrs. Bush, for a lovely reception.
The American Gold Star Mothers Inc., was founded in 1929 by 25 mothers in the Washington DC area. In June of 1936, a joint congressional resolution designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day.
Class...
GW and Laura - total class.
God bless you for your sacrifice Mrs. Garcia. I know you will always be proud of your son. Americans will always remember him too.
Just reading about W’s address to the Gold Star Mothers brought a tear to my eye. Can’t imagine what it must have been like for the moms in attendance.
God Bless our troops and God bless W.
I didn’t agree with everything he said or did as president-—but he and his wife, Barbara were and still are a class act.
I miss that—especially with what we now have in the White House.
>>The President then asked if we had any questions or comments. One mother went on to tell him how much people miss him and love him, he thanked her and in a laughing voice said “all except the guy that threw the shoe at me huh? Was that crazy or what?” We were all chuckling, then I said to him, ‘that’s alright Mr. President, I’m Mexican, our mothers throw shoes at us all the time! I’m amazed you knew how to duck so fast!” The whole room chuckled and felt more at ease and continued to speak with him.
*
That my FRiends, is the difference between this pResident and the last one. Down-to-earth, self-depreciating and genuine..unlike the liar we have now.
Other than not attending church (as usual), what did Obama do today? Shoot hoops wit’ da homeys, perhaps?
Tears in eyes, just thinking about the young man and women that these mothers brought up successfully. Thank you, Gold and Blue Star Moms, and may God bless you always.
............In June of 1936, a joint congressional resolution designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day..........
How was Zer0’s golf score today?
As usual the Bushes are class #1..We miss you Mr President..God Bless and keep you..
Gold Star Mom Cynthia Garcia and President George W. Bush
THIS is what a REAL President does! President Bush is a true patriot, one that had the utmost respect for the troops he commanded. God Bless you Mr. President.
My computer is going...the screen is blurry....
Gold Star Mother Cynthia Garcia with former First Lady Laura Bush.
The next burning question: “When will mac daddy come out of the closet”?
On May 27, 2006, her son Corporal J. Adan "Adam" Garcia, 20, succumbed to the injuries he sustained five days earlier during combat in Iraq while serving as a Combat Engineer with the 10th Mountain Division of the United States Army.
Bush looks happy away from office IMHO. God bless Mrs Garcia.
mine too!
He looks so much like his mom.
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