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Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is observed annually in the United States on December 7. The date commemorates the surprise Japanese attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941, a "date which will live in infamy" that led to the United States' entry into World War II. The day honors the 2,403 American service members and civilians who were killed in the attack, as well as the 1,178 others who were wounded. 
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Veterans Day with RecruitsDepartment: New Mexico Chapter: Albuquerque Gold Star Mothers from the Albuquerque, NM AGSM Chapter attended Veterans Day ceremonies at the Albuquerque Veterans Memorial Park on November 11. Pictured are Jo Ann Zembiec and Shirley Tetreault with the seven new military recruits who took their oath that day. Jo Ann and Shirley presented each with an angel coin to carry in their pocket.  Veterans Day is an annual U.S. public holiday observed on November 11 to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It was originally called Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I, with the name changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to include all veterans. Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day, a U.S. public holiday in May: Veterans Day commemorates the service of all U.S. veterans, while the older Memorial Day, which grew out of Civil War commemorations, specifically honors those who have died while in military service. Another military holiday that also occurs in May, Armed Forces Day, honors those currently serving in the U.S. military. Additionally, Women Veterans Day is recognized by a growing number of U.S. states that specifically honor women who have served in the U.S. military.   Happy Birthday to the United States Marine Corps! The corps' official birthday is November 10, 1775, and it celebrates its legacy of honor, courage, and commitment on that date each year. This date honors the founding of the Continental Marines by the Second Continental Congress.
 Every year on September 11th, our nation pauses to honor the lives lost in the terrorist attacks of 2001 and to recognize the extraordinary courage of first responders, service members, and everyday heroes who rose to meet that tragic moment. Known as Patriot Day, this solemn day of remembrance serves as a reminder of both the fragility and resilience of the American spirit.
In 2009, Patriot Day was also designated as the National Day of Service and Remembrance. This added purpose transforms grief into action, encouraging Americans to come together in acts of kindness, unity, and volunteerism. By doing so, we pay tribute to the nearly 3,000 lives lost and the countless families and communities forever changed. The Meaning of Patriot DayPatriot Day is not simply about remembering what was lost—it’s about reflecting on what was found in the days and weeks that followed: courage, unity, and an unwavering sense of community. Flags across the country are flown at half-staff, moments of silence are observed, and stories of resilience are shared. This collective act of remembrance helps ensure that future generations understand the significance of 9/11 and the importance of standing together. The National Day of Service and RemembranceWhat makes this day unique is its call to action. By turning remembrance into service, Americans honor the spirit of those we lost. Across the nation, people engage in volunteer projects—supporting veterans, helping neighbors in need, donating blood, mentoring youth, cleaning up communities, and countless other acts of service. These efforts not only strengthen local communities but also carry forward the message that even in the darkest times, light can be found through compassion and unity. How You Can Participate
As we reflect this year, let us carry forward the spirit of those who inspired us in 2001 and commit to building stronger, more compassionate communities every day. My name is Tim Maggart
 Four Chaplains Day, observed on February 3rd each year, commemorates the heroic actions of four military chaplains during World War II. On February 3, 1943, the troop ship SS Dorchester was torpedoed by a German U-boat in the North Atlantic. As the ship sank, these four chaplains selflessly sacrificed their lives to save others, demonstrating extraordinary courage and unity in the face of adversity.
Four Chaplains Day is a day to honor the memory and legacy of four brave chaplains: George L. Fox, Alexander D. Goode, John P. Washington, and Clark V. Poling. These men, representing different faiths and backgrounds, came together in an act of unity and selflessness that serves as a symbol of courage and compassion. In 2017, I attended my first Westgate Foundation Military Appreciation Weekend. I was invited during my first week as the Department President of FL-PR, and it marked my first official opportunity to build relationships outside my local chapter. Every year, the Westgate Foundation provides vacations to eligible active-duty military members, veterans, and Gold Star families. These families enjoy a three-day, two-night, stress-free weekend filled with family-friendly activities, live music, and patriotic displays at the Westgate property in Kissimmee, Florida. Additionally, various veteran service organizations, including American Gold Star Mothers, set up tables for a one-day resource fair. Many of these organizations focus on managing PTSD through counseling, equine therapy, and the use of service dogs. Seven years later, that initial opportunity has allowed me to connect with numerous individuals from various veteran service organizations. They share a common vision and a commitment to the same goals as AGSM, Inc. If you attended our 2021 national convention in West Palm Beach, you may remember that the Westgate Foundation was a sponsor. Since then, the Foundation has generously donated to the Department of FL-PR. With these donations, we established our own Chapter Grants for veteran service projects, similar to our National Chapter Grant program, and named it the Georgie Carter-Krell Grant. This past weekend, my Gold Star sisters, Lorrie Fleming and Sandy Miller, managed the resource table, after which we attended the concert. It was during this event that we received a generous $10,000 donation! Just imagine how many veterans we can support with that funding!  
Annette M Kirk
National 1st Vice President American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. Proud Gold Star Mother of PFC Paul O Cuzzupe II, US Army 12/2/86 - 8/8/10 “Standing in the Gap”  National Wreaths Across America Day is the culmination of a yearlong mission to Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve and Teach the next generation the value of freedom. This mission is in part carried out each December with the placement of sponsored veterans’ wreaths on the headstones of those who have served our country. The observance is designated annually on a Saturday in December by Congress. By coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and at more than 3,100 other participating locations around the country, Wreaths Across America strives to remember our fallen heroes. The day honors those who serve. And it teaches our children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms. Remember. Honor. Teach. HOW TO OBSERVE WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAYAll across the country, volunteers come together to lay wreaths on the gravesites of the military. You can help by volunteering, too. Bring your children, no matter their age. It's an excellent opportunity to teach them about the sacrifices our military and their families make and show respect for our military. You can also donate to make sure every fallen hero is honored. Many volunteers start by laying wreaths for their family members but find they continue to help each year. The meaning of a somber commitment of honoring service members with a wreath grows every year. Volunteer or donate by visiting www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. Use #WreathsAcrossAmericaDay to post on social media.  |
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