American Gold Star Mothers Weekend started on Friday 23 September 2022 with an Open House at their headquarters located at 2128 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC.
Sarah Taylor National President was the official greeter.
This plaque from the Kessler family honors there sons with a Blue and Gold Star flag. There son Lt. Samuel R. Kessler, Jr. was KIA on 10 October 1918.
Last year (2021) the Gold Star Mothers made a trip to France celebrating the 100th annivsesary of the selection of the soldier to be placed into the tomb of the unknown soldier.
A POW/MIA National Chair Of Honor now resides in the Gold Star Mothers headquartes thanks to former National President Jo Ann Maitland.
Saturday morning (9/24/2022) we meet up at 9 AM near the Lincoln Memorial for a 2.2 mile walk-a-thon for Suicide awareness.
Dennis, Sarah Taylor and Laura Ann
Taking selfie is Kim Mitchell VSO Liaison, Gold Star Mothers National President Sarah Taylor and Naval Academy Cadet Peter Verrier
Kim Mitchell, Sarah Taylor and Peter Verrier discuss suicide awareness and the VA.
At the Korean War Memorial wreath laying Patti Elliott, 2nd Vice President reads remarks of some Gold Star Familiy members about their loved ones.
Major General Peter M. Aylward (USA Ret) and Gold Star Mom Sandra C. Johnson, holding picture of her only son Marine PFC. Michael Anthony Cater, Jr. listening to Patti Elliott remarks.
LT Taylor with Gold Star Mom Sandra C. Johnson, holding picture of her only son Marine PFC. Michael Anthony Cater, Jr.
Gold Star Mother Pam Stemple, 2nd Vice President walking with her husband during the 2.2 mile walk-a-thon to bring awareness to military suicide.
Kristi Pappas leading the way
Major General Sherrie L. McCandless Commanding General, District of Columbia National Guard joined us for this 2.2 mile walk-a-thon to bring awareness to military suicide.
Gold Star Mom Lee-Ann Forsythe points out the name of George Vaughn Seibold who is “still missing” from World War I and is the Son of the founder of the American Gold Star Mothers Grace Darling Seibold.
Glen Patrick, President/CEO American Gold Star Manor along with his wife made the 2.2 mile walk-a-thon.
Major General Peter M. Aylward (USA Ret), kneeling on right, spent some time honoring those Veterans in DC on an Honor Flight visit.
Former Nation President Cindy Chip and Gold Star Mom Sandra C. Johnson at the World War II Memorial.
We were honored to have walk with us VA Secretary Denis R. McDonough.
We were honored to have walk with us VA Secretary Denis R. McDonough.
LT Taylor showing photograph of Marine PFC. Michael Anthony Cater, Jr to VA Secretary Denis R. McDonough.
Gold Star Mothers National President Sarah Taylor speaks at the next stop along this 2.2 mile walk-a-thon to bring awareness to military suicide.
Gold Star Mom Dee Thompson, Flag Guard speaks at the Vietnam Womens Memorial
Listening to Dee Thompson are Gold Star Mother Pam Stemple, 2nd Vice President with her husband.
Gold Star Mother Joyce Paulsen, Banner Guard speaks at the statue of the Three Soldiers.
Joyce Paulsen and Georgia Montoya
Gold Star Mom Robin Abbott, Treasurer speaking at the ‘In Memory’ plaque.
Vietnam Veterans escort Gold Star Mothers National President Sarah Taylor to the apex of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to place a wreath.
Sarah with her Vietnam Vet Buddies!
Saturday evenings Gold Star Mothers Banquet featuring Six * String Soldiers at Patton Hall, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
A place was set for our "still missing" US service personnel
One of Veterans had a special Birthday Day that evening.
Gold Star Mothers National President Sarah Taylor shows off Never Forget Garden plaque received from the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Sarah signing agreement with the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Then Lonnie LeGrand President of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier signs.
Joyce Paulsen, Banner Guard was the 2021 recipient of the Grace Darling Seibold Scholarship Award.
Cindy Stonebraker Reed, the daughter of Lt. Col. Kenneth Stonebraker, USAF MIA 10/28/1968 11th Tac Recon Sqd Udon AF was our guest speaker at Saturday evenings Gold Star Banquet at Patton Hall, Ft. Myer
Six * String Soldiers were our musical entertainment for the evening.
Gold Star Mom Sandra C. Johnson with LT Lawrence Taylor
Sarah and her Gold Star Moms just received a generous check from Dennis Cardwell, Vietnam Vet
Dennis, Sarah Taylor and Laura Ann
Major General Peter M. Aylward (USA Ret) with his Son and the 78th Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and his wife.
Hey that’s Me with Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro
General James C. McConville, Chief of Staff of the United States Army with Major General Peter M. Aylward (USA Ret) with his Son
Gold Star Mother Pam Stemple, 1st Vice President with Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro
Major General Peter M. Aylward (USA Ret) with his Son and General Mark A. Milley,Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Gold Star Mothers National President Sarah Taylor, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and Gold Star Mother Pam Stemple, 1st Vice President
Standing at the top of the steps prior to placing wreath are Ramón "CZ" Colón-López, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman, Gold Star Mothers National President Sarah Taylor, Gold Star Mother Lee-Ann Forsythe, Information & Technology Chairman and General Mark A. Milley,Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Gold Star Mothers National President Sarah Taylor along with Gold Star Mother Lee-Ann Forsythe place wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Richard Azzaro, Founder, Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Richard Azzaro, Founder, Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier explains the story of Sergeant Edward Younger, the man given the task of making the selection for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, he carried a spray of eleven white roses, “Society’s Never Forget Bouquet”, with which to mark the chosen casket.
General Mark A. Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Lonnie LeGrand President of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier escort Gold Star Mothers National President Sarah Taylor to the Mother’s Tree.
Gold Star Mothers National President Sarah Taylor places the spray of eleven white Niphoes roses, “Society’s Never Forget Bouquet” at the Mother’s Tree.
Mother’s Tree
White Birch – Betula Laciniate
Planted May 8, 1932
In Honor
Of The Mother Of The
Unknown Soldier
Bicentennial Committee
Henry G. Spengler Unit, No. 12
American Legion Auxiliary
Eva C. E. Chase, Chairman
Presented By:
Solan L. Parks
Richard Azzaro, Founder, Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Gold Star Mothers National President Sarah Taylor, General Mark A. Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Lonnie LeGrand President of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Past National Gold Star Mothers President Cindy Chip with Gold Star Mothers National President Sarah Taylor
VVA Chapter 67 Color Guard of Delaware County, PA has always been there for our Gold Star Mothers.
Dee Thompson, Flag Guard, Joyce Paulsen, Banner Guard
General Mark A. Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff escorts Gold Star Mothers National President Sarah Taylor to the podium for the start of ceremonies.
Presentation of Colors and National Anthem
Gold Star Mothers Annette Kirk, Sgt-at-Arms, Robin Abbott, Treasurer, Patti Elliott, 2nd Vice President and Pam Stemple, 1st Vice President
VVA Chapter 67 Color Guard of Delaware County, PA has always been there for our Gold Star Mothers.
Invocation by Cindy Chip, Past National President
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