Blue Star Mothers

While Brion was deployed I was actively involved in the local chapter of Blue Star Mothers. The Blue Star Mothers are mothers who have, or have had, a son or daughter serving in the military. The organization is dedicated to supporting each other and our children while promoting patriotism. I am still involved, although I am not an active member. Fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles—anyone can join the organization as an associate member and may participate in the organization’s activities.

The Blue Star Mothers of America began in 1942. On January 22, 1942 the Flint News Advertiser printed a coupon asking Mothers of serviceman to return the coupon after filling it out. The following February 1st, 300 mothers met in the Durant Hotel, in Flint Michigan. Captain George H. Maines, who had conceived the idea for this group, acted as the chair of this first meeting. It was decided that after receiving 1000 responses from the ad to form a permanent organization. On February 6th the organization was reported on Congressional record. Chapters then formed in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, California, Iowa and Washington. In June of 1960 the organization was chartered by congress.(http://www.bluestarmothers.org)

Blue Star Mothers at Hanover National Guard Homecoming, September 2009. (Click on Photo to Enlarge)

The group I belonged to meet at the VFW in Hanover the second Tuesday of every month, except December. Each month members bring donations and packages are sent to deployed soldiers (about 10 per month). You do not have to be a member to submit the name of a deployed soldier. The organization recently changed their name from Blue Star Mothers of Hanover, PA to Blue Star Mothers of South Central PA because the membership is spread out over a much larger area than Hanover. You can learn more about the Blue Star Mothers at www.bluestarmothers.org or if interested in the South Central PA Chapter, call Laurie at 717-451-3934 or Vanessa at 717-624-4528.