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American Gold Star Mothers 
​News & Blog

Keep up with News and Current Events with AGSM

Happy 85th Birthday Marsha Connor

1/23/2026

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Marsha became a Gold Star Mother, when her son USN. LT Patrick K Connor, who flew a Bombardier/Navigator A6-E Intruder aircraft. from Squadron VA-36 UUS Roosevelt, during Persian Gulf War. was shot down. MIA Feb 2, 1991, Recovered March 31, 1991, Easter Sunday.
Marsha held many positions and was President of Chapter 15 for a few years. She then continued to be Vice President after. We hold our chapter meetings in a church she was a member of. Marsha does not like computers. Her husband William became her secretary. As her years of being AGSM, Marsha planned bingo games and pizza lunches for our veterans at the Syracuse NY Veterans Center. She also attended and donated many items for our Women Veterans baby showers. Participated in many Memorial ceremonies for our fallen veterans. Laying wreaths not only for her son but for all our fallen Heroes. Due to health reasons in May 2025,Marsha and William moved to Virginia to be closer to their sons and family. She will continue as a member of our chapter. William keeps us updated on how they are doing. They both left a big impact on us here in NY.

Love and hugs and prayers to our Sweet Marsha and William.
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Happy 389th Birthday National Guard

12/13/2025

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The history of the National Guard traces back to the colonial militia. On December 13, 1636, the Massachusetts Bay Colony's General Court ordered the organization of the colony's existing militia companies into three permanent regiments to improve defense, marking the beginning of the first organized American fighting force. 
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These first regiments are the direct ancestors of several modern-day Massachusetts Army National Guard units and are recognized as the oldest units in the U.S. military. The date of this organizational order is officially recognized by the Department of Defense as the National Guard's birth date. 
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Happy 250th Birthday, Marines

11/10/2025

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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.
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Happy 100th Birthday Elsie Mannerow

11/2/2025

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Elsie Mannerow

Written and researched by Laura De Roo
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​Elsie and her four siblings were first generation Americans, born to Belgium immigrants, Julius Vinoke and Emma (Dujvejonek) Vinoke. Elsie was born in Detroit, Michigan November 1st, 1925.  She married Pfc. Harvey Howard Mannerow in 1942 at the tender age of 17.  Her mother signed for her since she was underage. At the time they married, Harvey was in the Army and Elsie was an elevator operator.  Their marriage was blessed with three children, a son, Paul and two daughters, Joyce (1944-2003) and Carol.


In 1967, following graduation from Notre Dame High School in Harper Woods Michigan, and one year at Macomb Community College, their son, Paul David Mannerow enlisted in the Marine Corp. His tour in Vietnam began August 14, 1968. The following spring, May 10, 1969, Paul died in Quang Tri, Vietnam through hostile action that caused the helicopter he was in to crash. He had achieved the rank of Lance Corporal and was the recipient of two Purple Heart medals.

​Harvey fought and survived some of the worse fighting in Europe during WWII.  He could not get over the fact that he survived his war experience and his son was killed during his.  Harvey died Feb 19, 1977, leaving Elsie a widow.

Not long after Paul died, a woman who lived a few blocks away invited Elsie to attend her first American Gold Star Mothers’ meeting. She filled out her application September 16, 1970 and didn’t look back.  Elsie, over the years has served in nearly every position in her chapters except treasurer.  She has been in three chapters in her long membership in this organization. As each closed due to lack of membership she switched to another and continued to serve
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​Due to age, Elsie had to give up driving three years ago.  Her daughter and granddaughter help with getting groceries, putting meals in her freezer and getting her to appointments.  Her friends still make sure she gets out to enjoy excursions and comradery.  Elsie remains in very good health and continues to live in her pleasant, little apartment where she has lived for the last 23 years. 
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On November 1st, 2025 Elsie celebrated her 100th birthday!
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Happy 78th Birthday US Air Force

9/18/2025

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The U.S. Air Force was established as its own branch of the military by Congress and President Henry S. Truman on September 18, 1947.
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​How to Celebrate the U.S. Air Force BirthdayThe U.S. Air Force birthday is more than just a time to reflect on the bravery and dedication of the men and women who serve — it's also an opportunity to actively show your support and appreciation.These events serve as a reminder of the U.S. Air Force’s enduring legacy of service, sacrifice, and technological innovation.
Here are a few ways we can honor their bravery and dedication on this special day:
  1. Remembering Their Dedication: Recognize the tireless commitment of U.S. Air Force personnel who work around the clock to protect national airspace and maintain global security.
  2. Celebrating Their Sacrifice: Pay tribute to the sacrifices made by U.S. Air Force members and their families, who often endure long deployments and personal challenges to safeguard our freedoms.
  3. Acknowledging Their Technological Leadership: The U.S. Air Force has been at the forefront of aviation and space technology, playing a key role in advancements that extend far beyond the military sphere.
  4. Recognizing Global Impact: From providing humanitarian aid to maintaining air superiority in conflict zones, the U.S. Air Force’s global operations reflect its vital role in both peacetime and wartime efforts.
  5. Going to a Veteran-Themed Museum: Many military-related museums around the country give active-duty service members, veterans, and more free access to their exhibits on the U.S. Air Force Birthday.
  6. Supporting Veterans and Active-Duty Members: Give a shoutout on social media — or better yet, get involved in local events or volunteer opportunities. Posting your experiences with the hashtag #AirForceBirthday spreads awareness and demonstrates that their efforts are not forgotten.
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Happy Birthday US Coast Guard!

8/4/2025

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Happy 235 birthday to the US Coast Guard!
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Happy 99th Birthday Dorothy Oxendine!

6/25/2025

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Happy 99th Birthday to Gold Star Mother Dorothy Oxendine!

@newyorkveterans proudly sends happy birthday wishes to the extraordinary Ms. Dorothy Oxendine—Gold Star Mother, trailblazer, and proud New Yorker—who turned 99 years young today!

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Happy 5th Birthday Space Force!

12/20/2024

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#spaceforcebirthday

The U.S. Space Force's birthday is on December 20th. The Space Force became the sixth branch of the U.S. military on December 20, 2019, when the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act was enacted.

How to celebrate Space Force Birthday

The National D-Day Memorial
On December 20, 2025, the National D-Day Memorial will celebrate the Space Force's birthday from 10 AM–5 PM EST. Space Force veterans will receive free admission, and active-duty service members always receive free admission. 
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The National WWII Museum
On December 20, 2023, the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, LA will celebrate the Space Force's birthday by offering free general admission to active-duty members, reserve members, retirees, and veterans
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Happy 388th birthday National Guard

12/13/2024

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#NationalGuardBirthday

December 13th commemorates the National Guard Birthday. On December 13th, 1636, the Massachusetts General Court established an official militia for the first time in the American Colonies.

A component of the United States Army, the National Guard is primarily composed of citizen-soldiers who hold down full-time, civilian jobs, attend school, or as is often the case, both. At the same time, they are available to provide support and protection for the states' civilians or be called for military operations at a national level.

​Each U.S. state, District of Columbia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the territories of Guam and U.S. Virgin Islands maintain both an Army National Guard and an Air National Guard.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL GUARD BIRTHDAY

While not recognized as a Federal Holiday, National Guard members across the country celebrate the birth of the oldest military organization in the United States with galas, balls, and birthday parties. Since the National Guard is an integral part of each state, commonwealth, and territory, we all have a reason to celebrate this birthday! Take time to recognize a National Guard soldier or airman you know.

National Day Calendar
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Happy Birthday United States Marine Corps!

11/10/2024

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​The United States Marine Corps' birthday is celebrated annually on November 10. The Corps was established in 1775 by the Second Continental Congress to support the U.S. Navy during the Revolutionary War. The Corps was originally called the Continental Marines. 

The Corps' birthday was celebrated on July 11 from 1799 until 1921, when it was moved to November 10 to commemorate its founding. The Corps was abolished after the war due to budget reasons, but was re-established in 1798 by President John Adams. 

Birthday celebrations include:
  • Parades
  • Drill team performances
  • Exhibits
  • Speeches
  • Cake cutting
  • Birthday Ball Pageant 

A traditional Birthday Ball celebration includes a cocktail hour, dinner, a ceremony, and dancing. A symbolic tradition is passing the first piece of birthday cake from the oldest Marine to the youngest.
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​American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. Headquarters
2128 Leroy Place NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
​(202) 265-0991
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  • AGSM
    • History
    • FAQ
    • The Gold Star Mother Newsletter
    • Members Only >
      • Memorandums of Understanding
    • Our Impact >
      • Military Communities
      • Gold Star Mothers and Families
    • Get Involved
    • Grant Opportunities
    • Restrictions on Political Activity
    • 990/Compliance Disclosures
  • The AGSM Store
    • 2025 White House Ornament
    • Books
    • New Logo Products
    • ASGM logo items
    • Annual Member Dues
    • Pins
    • AGSM Jewelry
    • Coins
    • Logo Apparel - Valley Athletic
    • Supplies
    • Partner Products
  • Events & Projects
    • Centennial
    • 2026 Events >
      • 2026 National Convention
    • 2025 Events >
      • Gold Star Weekend 2025
      • Veteran's Last Patrol 2025
      • 2025 Memorial Day >
        • Memorial Day Week 2025 Photos
      • 2025 National Convention >
        • 2025 Veterans Day
        • 2025 National Convention Schedule
        • 2025 National Convention Photos
      • 2025 Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day
      • 2025 Chapel of the Four Chaplains
      • 2025 White Rose Ball
    • 2024 Events >
      • Gold Star Mothers Weekend >
        • 2024 Gold Star Mothers Weekend Photos
      • Veterans Day 2024
      • Wreaths Across America 2024
      • Veteran's Last Patrol
      • Operation Gratitude
  • News & Blog
  • Contact US
    • Membership >
      • Chapters & Departments
      • Contact Membership
    • Contact the National President
    • Contact the National Chaplain
  • Our Partners
    • Wreaths Across America Radio
    • Wreaths Across America
    • Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
    • Blue Star Mothers of America
    • Veterans Last Patrol
    • National AMVETS Riders