December 2nd, 2006

The Blue Star Mothers – We are mothers who now have, or have had, children serving in the military. We are a non-profit service organization supporting each other and our children while promoting patriotism. www.bluestarmothers.org

Minnesota e-mail address is: armymom102157@yahoo.com

An article by the American Forces Press Service from the following link:
www.defenselink.mil/news/Mar2000/n03282000_20003282.html

WASHINGTON, March 28, 2000 -– They’re there when military men and women head overseas. They're there to shower them with love when they come home again. Their thoughts are with them every day, no matter where they are. They are the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., whose members hang blue stars in their windows whenever their children join the armed forces.

Army Capt. George H. Maines conceived the idea for the Blue Star Mothers in 1942. He ran a newspaper article in Flint, Mich., on Jan 22, 1942, requesting information about children serving in the armed forces. More than 1,000 mothers responded.

“Blue Star Mothers have tomorrows with their children, but Gold Star Mothers only have yesterdays,” Naill said.

“I think this legacy has been stored and almost forgotten over the years,” Naill said. “Many of our military sons and daughters don’t know about thesignificance of the stars -- the blue for hope and pride; the gold for sacrifice to the cause of liberty and freedom. Serving in the armed forces is an honor to our country, to our principles and to our faith.”

Naill said the Blue Star Mothers’ original goals were ”to bring our sons home, to ensure they received the benefits they deserved, help service member’s families, help each other and to be there if something happened.” Over the years, the goals have broadened to rehabilitation, hospital work, children’s welfare and civil defense.

Blue Star Mothers do much more than volunteer in VA hospitals and outreach centers, she noted. “We work in physical and emotional rehabilitation, help with medical supplies, transportation, food, clothing and friendship, gratitude and love,” Naill said. “We show our children and America's sons and daughters that we appreciate them and their service.”

During the Persian Gulf War, the mothers sent a variety of items to service members, including cards, toilet paper, candy, cookies, cameras, microwavable food, toothbrushes, magazines, local newspapers, writing paper, pens and letters from school children thanking them, Naill said.

“You can find support, the joy of giving and also find people who will understand if something happens,” Naill said. “Even in peacetime they don’t always come back as they left. We have strength in our sisters. We also feel a kindred spirit to our Gold Star Mothers.”

Mothers interested in becoming a Blue Star Mother should write to:

Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.
Box 555
Kensington, MD 20895-0555

You can call Susan Naill at or send a fax to: (301) 949-0114.
Their national e-mail address is: bluestarmom@hotmail.com (Susan Naill, Maryland)