Stand-To!- Gold Star Mother's Day - Sept. 26, 2008

[stand-to at www.lists.army.mil]

Edition: Fri, September 26, 2008
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SENIOR LEADERS ARE SAYING
"Gold Star Mothers inspire our Nation with their deep devotion to  
family and country. These extraordinary women serve their  
communities, dedicate their time to helping members of our Armed  
Forces and veterans, and bring comfort and hope to families whose  
loved ones laid down their lives in the defense of our liberty.  
Nothing can compensate for their sacrifice and loss, yet Gold Star  
Mothers demonstrate tremendous courage and resolve while working to  
preserve the memory and legacy of all our fallen heroes."

- President George W. Bush

Gold Star Mother's Day, 2008

TODAY'S FOCUS
Gold Star Mother's Day

What is it?

America lives in freedom because of the sacrifices of our Soldiers,  
and owes its thanks to the mothers who raised them. Each year, the  
last Sunday in September is congressionally designated “Gold Star  
Mother’s Day,” an opportunity to offer our respect to Gold Star  
Mothers and honor their families' sacrifice.

The term “Gold Star Mother” derives from the gold stars displayed in  
windows in the aftermath of World War I. President Woodrow Wilson  
first used the term "Gold Star Mother" in reference to mothers who  
lost a son or daughter in uniform.

The President has called upon all government officials to display the  
Flag of the United States over government buildings on this special  
day, and has encouraged the American people to display the flag and  
hold appropriate ceremonies as a public expression of our nation's  
admiration, sympathy and respect for our Gold Star Mothers. The  
President has asked the American people to recognize and pray for the  
devoted mothers of these men and women in uniform who have made the  
ultimate sacrifice in defense of our liberty.

What has the Army done?

The Army recognizes and deeply appreciates the loyalty, devotion and  
selfless service of our Gold Star Mothers. For their sacrifices and  
their suffering we are deeply indebted.

Why is this important to the Army?

The Army has many Gold Star Mothers. They inspire our nation and our  
Army with their deep devotion to family and country. These  
extraordinary women serve our communities, dedicate their time to  
helping members of our Army and veterans and bring comfort and hope  
to all our families whose loved ones laid down their lives in the  
defense of our liberty. By promoting both national pride and  
international goodwill, Gold Star Mothers serve as models of grace  
and strength. Nothing can compensate for their sacrifice and loss,  
yet Gold Star Mothers demonstrate tremendous courage and resolve  
while working to preserve the memory and legacy of all our fallen  
heroes. They represent Army Faces of Strength and are a key reason  
that we are "America's Army: The Strength of the Nation."

In the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944, "There is  
nothing adequate which anyone in any place can say to those who are  
entitled to display the gold star in their windows."

What does the Army have planned?

The Army, along with the nation, observes the congressionally  
proclaimed “Gold Star Mother’s Day” Sunday, Sept 28, and encourages  
all Soldiers, family members, and civilians to participate by  
observing a moment of silence in honor of mothers who have sacrificed  
a son or daughter, and by displaying the U.S. Flag, posting to a blog  
site, or calling or sending a card to someone they know.

Resources:

A proclamation by the President of the United States: Gold Star  
Mother's Day, 2008

Web page: Gold Star Mother's Day


INFORMATION YOU CAN USE
• 2008 Strategic Communication Guide - Read the 2008 Army Strategic  
Communication Guide for key messages and updates

• Strategic Communication Coordination Group (SCCG) Workspace

• Army Public Affairs Portal

• Stories of Valor

• Speaker's Toolkit

• Information Papers with " 2008 Army Posture Statement"

A CULTURE OF ENGAGEMENT
The Army Community Relations Calendar

Bloggers Roundtable

Cooperative Spirit 08

JCOC program is an eye opener

CALENDAR
September 2008
: National Preparedness Month

Sept. 15 - Oct. 15, 2008
: National Hispanic Heritage Month (Go to Web site)

Sept. 27- 29, 2008
: Gold Star Mother's Day

SOCIAL NETWORKING
Army Media Player
Flickr: Army images
YouTube: Army videos
Twitter: Army updates
del.icio.us: Army links
NEWS ABOUT THE ARMY
'Time of Remembrance' honors families of fallen (ARNews)
'Preparedness Fair' preps Army for disasters (ARNews)
Veterans feel nation's appreciation on honor flight (ARNews)
'They brought me back to life' (ARNews)
Houston Soldiers' suicides prompt scrutiny (HC)
Audio: California's Guard seeks educational funding (NPR)
WAR ON TERROR NEWS
Audio: U.S., Pakistani troops trade fire on border (NPR)
Pakistan’s president condemns unilateral attacks (LVS)
Bush, Karzai to discuss conditions in Afghanistan (WP)
U.S. blames Iran for delay in Iraq Pact (LAT)
Sunni, Shiite fighters warily merge forces (HC)
OF INTEREST
Heroic act, medal denied – and a debate (CSM)
Ex-Gitmo prosecutor seeks immunity for testimony (MH)
Audio: The fourth of a five-part series: Tough sell for overseas U.S.  
missile defense bases (NPR)
More mental health care, abuse aid in VA bill (WT)
Iraq election law marks progress, opens political season (CSM)
Pentagon contest sparks ideas for better batteries (SFG)
WORLD VIEW
U.S. 'rejected' Israeli Iran strike (BBC | Story)
Israel asked U.S. for green light to bomb nuclear sites in Iran (GRD  
| Story)
China launches space walk mission (IHT | Story)
South Korea, Iraq's Kurdish region sign oil pact (IHT | Story)
U.S. nuclear aircraft carrier George Washington deployed in Yokosuka  
(JT | Story)
WHAT'S BEING SAID IN BLOGS
Army stationing active unit within U.S. beginning Oct. 1 (JWH)
Related to the preceding blog: Congress answers: Why is a U.S. Army  
brigade being assigned to the "Homeland"? (CC)
North Korean nuclear standoff : What's next (Wired)
U.S. denies Drone down - never mind the video (updated) (Wired)
In their eyes (N2G)
Part 8 of 11: Battlemind skills — I is for independence (HHH)
External Links Disclaimer
ARMY SPORTS
Sports at a glance

Top Army football stories

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