By Ace Tounsel
Hello neighbors and friends. Once again, spring is here and now is a great time to help our students learn more about our country and the sacrifices many continue to make today supporting and defending her. We often hear about our fallen heroes and veterans, but there is another group that is sometimes forgotten, our soldier’s support system back home. These people usually keep things going while soldiers are away and ensure they have a safe, comforting place to return to when they get back. These military spouses may have to sacrifice their own careers and dreams while service men and women travel across the world serving our nation, but they can also serve America as well.
On April 5, 1945, a group of four widows met in New York City. One week later, President Franklin D. Roosevelt died and shortly after, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt joined what would be known as the Gold Star Wives of America, chartered as a non-profit organization in December 1945.
Gold Star Wives Day was first commemorated on December 18, 2010, through a Senate resolution with support from the Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. It is a day to remember and pay respect to the surviving husbands and wives of the Fallen of the U.S. Armed Forces and thank them for all they’ve given. Since 2012, the Senate has passed a resolution designating April 5 as Gold Star Wives Day. As we all know, more and more women are serving in harm’s way and this has resulted in a very important change that promotes inclusion. Per recent guidance by the Department of the Army, this day is now observed as Gold Star Spouses Day.
Remember the spouses of the fallen by sending a card, making a phone call or visiting them in person. Treat them to coffee and ask them to share stories about their spouse who gave their life for us and our nation.
The Men and Women of McCulloch-Wagner Post 109 would like to honor any Gold Star Spouses in the neighborhood during a short and informal ceremony on Sunday, 5 April at 2:30pm. Please email me at tounsel@aol.com if you would like to participate in this event. We would love to have you as our guest.
