 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.   #PearlHarborRemembranceDayEach year in the United States, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day honors all those who lost their lives when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. More than 3,500 Americans lost their lives or were wounded on that solemn day.
The day marked a turn in the United States' position regarding involvement in World War II. The Japanese attack damaged several battleships, permanently sinking both the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma. Still, others capsized, taking crew members with them. One noted ship was the USS Utah. Along with naval vessels, the attack destroyed aircraft, too. As a result, the attack forced the U.S. into a war that had been raging for two years. Mission Impossible? You decide!How do you attend several events on the same day around the same time?
The National Executive Board (NEB) members had several opportunities during Veterans Day weekend to honor those who served our military. #PatriotDay
Deadline to Register is September 12, 2024The deadline to register for events in DC is September 12, 2024. All attendees must complete the registration form and pay for banquet tickets at this link: https://form.jotform.com/AGSMNational/2024-gold-star-mothers-weekend-regi  National PURPLE HEART DAYNational Purple Heart Day is celebrated on August 7th each year to honor the Purple Heart, the oldest military decoration in the United States. The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are wounded or killed, or who die after being wounded, by enemy action while serving under competent authority after April 5, 1917. The award is given in the name of the President of the United States. Purple Heart Day also serves to raise awareness of the impact of war on veterans and their families, and to highlight the importance of providing them with the support and resources they need to live fulfilling lives after their service.  Please save the dates September 27th - September 29th, 2024 for Gold Star Mothers Weekend in Washington, DC. More information will be provided in the coming weeks. We hope to see you there!  |
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