Mission Monday - Memorial Day Events edition

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Green Bay Chapter

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Memorial Day at Central WI Cemetery

Shirley Wade and Elizabeth Kryst laid the Gold Star Mothers wreath at the Memorial Day ceremony at the Central WI Cemetary across from King Veteran's home. Our governor, Tony Eavers was in attendance. Shirley who is also a Veteran, lives at King.

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Department of Arizona

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Memorial Day

For American Gold Star Mothers, Memorial Day holds a profoundly emotional and sacred place in our hearts. It is a day set aside not only to honor our fallen children but to speak their names aloud, share their stories, and ensure their legacies endure.

Across Arizona, our Department members were deeply engaged—attending, speaking, and participating in ceremonies—each with the unwavering commitment that we must never forget.

This year, Heather Hocker represented American Gold Star Mothers at the Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery service and concluded the day in solemn reverence at the Old Post Cemetery on Fort Huachuca.

Barbara Sutton honored our children by laying a wreath at the Green Valley Memorial Cemetery.

In Prescott, our mothers stood in unity at the Prescott National Cemetery. Attending were Department Chaplain Jasmine Crowl, Paulette Martone , and Laura K. Stephens, joined by former member and Gold Star Mother Jodi Smith.

President Patricia Hinds carried our presence with grace at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, seated as a VIP on stage in remembrance.

Tammy Pulaski gave voice to our shared sacrifice, speaking at the Westbrook Village Active Adult Community ceremony. Also in attendance was Wendy Shackley and Marilyn Bullard.

Diane Brown, our Department Treasurer, paid her respects at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Camp Navajo. 

Each mother carries Memorial Day in her heart—not as a date on the calendar, but as a solemn vow to remember.

​What is Memorial Day? The word “Memorial” means to remember—to hold space for those no longer with us, to speak their names, and to carry their stories forward.

​May we never forget.

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Maryland Chapter

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Annual Memorial Day Observance Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens Timonium

On Monday, May 26, 2025, Gold Star Mothers fathers, families, and the community were invited to attend the Annual Memorial Day Observance at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens located in Timonium Maryland. Janice Chance, Marie Moudry, and Linda Wiley represented the Gold Star Mothers Maryland Chapter. Major General Janeen L. Birckhead, US Navy Commander (Ret) Frank T. Goertner and The Honorable John Olszewski Jr., US House of Representatives gave memorial addresses. Music was provided by the 229th US Army Band Dundalk Sweet Adelines, and bagpiper Robert McCurdy. The opening procession included the Maryland National Guard Firing Party and Color Guard, 4th Combat Engineer Battalion USMCR, US Naval Sea Cadets/Fort McHenry Division, The Knights of Columbus O’Neill Council #4011, The Patriot Guard Riders Maryland Chapter and The Nam Knights of America Motorcycle Club Fort McHenry Chapter. Alan Walden served as MC. ​

Elba Keirn and other families of those military fallen since last Memorial Day, 5/27/2024 were presented with a replica of the memorial which depicts a woman embracing a folded flag. Those honored were: PO2 Jack M. Brown, LTC Mickey M West Jr, PFC Charles M. Hyman, SSG Sean A. Lange, MSGT Justin S. Keirn, SRA Gregory K. Riley Jr, SPC William T. Brown III, CW2 Andrew L. Eaves, SPC Jacob W. Mullen, and SSG Jared A. Finnerty. Daneace Jeffrey, sister of Darold Martin, Gold Star Dad accepted a plaque. Janice Chance accepted a plaque on behalf of LTC Mickey West Jr's family. Janice, Marie, and Linda were blessed to meet and provide comfort to the families and friends of those honored this year. They also met with many veterans and active-duty service members and their families. It was a truly beautiful and moving ceremony.