Togetherness Tuesday

Gold Star Family Byway Dedication October 27, 2025 Allegany, NY

​Department: New York
Chapter: WNY South Buffalo Chapter 26

The Enchanted Mountain Garden Club of Allegany, NY held a dedication ceremony on Saturday, October 27, 2025. American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., members of the WNY South Buffalo Chapter 26 and New York Department President Dorothy Reid were in attendance. GSM Candy Clemens worked for nearly two years with the Enchanted Mountain Garden Club to make the marker a reality. To honor the service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice and the families who carry on their loved ones’ legacies. The marker was placed in the Allegany Veterans Memorial Park. A reception was held at the Allegany American Legion following the ceremony.

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Blue Star Mothers New York 7 15th Anniversary Celebration Gala Saturday, September 20, 2025

​Department: New York
Chapter: WNY South Buffalo Chapter 26

Department President Dorothy Reid along with members of the WNY South Buffalo Chapter 26 Cathy MacFarland, husband Bill, Cany Clemens, Jeanne Brown, Holly Baker and husband Greg, were in attendance for the Blue Star Mothers NY Chapter 7 15th Anniversary Gala held September 20, 2025. Cathy MacFarland was honored as a Charter Member of Blue Star Mothers Chapter 7 and remains a member with her son James serving in the US Navy. She joined AGSM South Bufffalo Chapter 26 after the loss of her son Albert in 2009 while serving in the US Army. The Gala was well attended by family, friends and the community. Chapter President noted the support of many local sponsors, companies and organizations through the past, present and look forward to the future. All proceeds from the event will benefit the ongoing packing events for our deployed heroes.

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Women in Defense (WID) Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon Fundraiser Vandiver Inn Havre de Grace, Maryland October 23, 2025

​Department: Maryland/Delaware
Chapter: Maryland

Women in Defense (WID), Mid- Atlantic Chapter had their Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon Fundraiser at the Vandiver Inn in Havre de Grace, Maryland on October 23, 2025. Gold Star mothers Janice Chance, Synthia Carter, Stephanie White, Donna Robinson and guest Earl Ruff attended this event as The Gold Star Mothers Maryland Chapter were Gold Sponsors and have been supporting this fundraiser for five years. Corporate sponsorships and raffles for beautifully wrapped theme baskets helped raise funds for the Upper Chesapeake Health Cancer Life Net organization that supports breast cancer survivors and their families. The keynote speaker was Dr. Julie Woods who works at the Department of Medical Oncology UM Upper Chesapeake Kaufman Cancer Center. She provided an informative presentation about detecting breast cancer and health-focused treatments that offer hope and healing to patients. Mrs. Karen Streett, RN shared her personal breast cancer story. Gold Star Mothers Janice Chance and Donna Robinson won lovely Raffle Baskets. The WID Mid-Atlantic Chapter was established to provide women a formal environment for professional growth through networking, education and career development. Gold Star Mothers Maryland Chapter look forward to supporting WID and their future events.

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Gold Star Family Monument Norfolk VA

​Department: Virginia
Chapter: Hampton Roads

The Woody Williams Foundation erected a 2-panel Gold Star Family Monument in Norfolk, Virginia. Present were representatives from the City of Norfolk and the Woody Williams Foundation.

​Gold Star Moms present left to right: Mary Strong, Mona Gunn and Terri Campbell, 1st VP.

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White House Gold Star Families Reception Washington, DC September 29, 2025

​Department: Maryland/Delaware
Chapter: Maryland

On September 29, 2025, President and Mrs. Trump commemorated Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day by hosting a Gold Star families Reception at the White House. A select number of families from across the United States were invited to join him, a few of his cabinet level officials, and the Joint Chiefs. In attendance from the Maryland Gold Star Mothers Chapter were Donna Robinson and Janice Chance. Janice was given the honor to share about her family’s fallen hero Captain Jesse Melton III USMC, (KIA Afghanistan on 9/9/2008), and what it means to her to be a gold star family member. Prior to Janice’s message, President Trump welcomed the Gold Star families and gave a heartwarming message honoring our country’s fallen heroes and the families for their profound sacrifice. Janice shared about the power of their faith in God, and the call to continue our heroes’ legacy through service and outreach. Janice was joined by her husband (stepdad) Charlton Chance, daughter Jenine Melton U.S. Army Iraq veteran, son Joshua Melton, daughter in law Peggy Melton, special friends and supporters Melody Knox, Earl Ruff, Jr., (Commandant US Marine Corp League Baltimore Detachment), and Cindy McGrew, (CEO and founder Operation Second Chance). Mrs. McGrew not only graced the family members with her presence, but her organization also provided limousine transportation. After Janice’s message, each Gold Star family stood when their hero’s name was read, and a candle was lit in their hero’s honor. Following the ceremony and dessert reception each family received a gift bag that contained the candle that was lit in memory of their hero, a special Presidential Gold Star Challenge coin, along with other gifts - symbols of gratitude and remembrance.

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