On May 10th, the annual Military Ball was held in Albany honoring our chapter of the Blue Star Mothers. We were very appreciative of this. All those attending reported having a great time. On Saturday night, May 17th, we will again be honored, this time by the Schenectady Veterans Organizations at their Armed Forces Day dinner. We have a lot of our members going and are humbled by this honor. Saturday is Armed Forces Day, a day to pay tribute to and salute our troops who sacrifice so much for our freedoms and way of life. Next week we will begin our Memorial Day tributes and parades in memory of our fallen American heroes.
Our chapter was well represented today in support of the 2nd Annual Captain Timothy J. Moshier Memorial 5k Run/Walk. Next year we hope to field a "Team Blue Star" so get your running/walking shoes ready. Karen has graciously volunteered to organize this for us. It is truly inspiring how the Moshier and McKee families have risen from their loss to pay tribute to Tim and also raise money for the Gold Star Family Support Center, The Fisher House, and the Captain Timothy J. Moshier Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Wednesday, April 9th, marks the fifth year anniversary of the day Saddam Hussein fled Baghdad. Iraq Liberation Day is a day to remember our fallen troops, our POW/MIA, and our troops now serving in this War on Terror. Along with many Veterans Service Organizations, The Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. is responding to the call for national recognition of this day. We will be represented at a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery hosted by the Adjutants General of the United States. Later that evening the Ambassador of Iraq, on behalf of the Government and People of Iraq, will be hosting a dinner in honor of the families of our Iraq fallen heroes. All across America, citizens are asked to honk their car horns at 17:00 H, Eastern Daylight Time, at the same time the Dutch Carillion strikes the hour at Arlington National Cemetery for this National Remembrance.
The Blue Jean Ball was amazing yesterday! We packed the house and a great time was had by all. We gratefully thank Jessica Layton of NewsChannel 13 for a superb job emceeing our event, Barb Ostroff of Delmar Florists for the beautiful floral arrangements, and members of the Rensselaer Elks Lodge for their unbelievable hospitality and generous donation to our chapter. We were honored to present Freedom Awards to Melody Burns, Danielle Powell, and Rich Van Etten in recognition of outstanding support to us. In addition to that eleven Patriot Awards were given to individuals who also supported our chapter this past year.
Another great meeting today! Our time is so well spent just talking with each other, getting to know each other, as well as sharing stories and tips. We wrote several notes of encouragement/support to our troops and especially those among our childrens' units that aren't receiving much mail. We look forward to our Blue Jean Ball celebrating the first anniversary of our chapter as well as presenting several awards to the people here in the Capital Region that have offered us a high degree of support.
We had a great turnout at the post yesterday and were able to fill close to one hundred Freedom Boxes. These boxes are being shipped to our deployed children and those serving with our children that get little mail. Although we were very busy with the process of packing the boxes we were able to spend time getting to know each other, comparing notes, and getting some good tips as well. Hopefully, some of us will be able to meet for coffee during the month, and not have to wait so long until the next meeting to see each other.
Many of our families have enjoyed having their military children home for the holidays before heading back to duty. As we begin a new year, our thoughts and prayers remain with our troops and our families for a happy and safe New Year!! Our chapter is busy, come as you can. We're looking forward to packing Valentine Freedom Boxes in a few weeks, a River Rats game, our Blue Jean Ball, and time spent together with both old and new friends who share our common bond. Happy 2008!
It was heartwarming to welcome home some of our sons and daughters for the holidays at the airport these past few weeks. For those of us whose children won't be home this year, know that they have the prayers of a grateful nation and all hope that they will also soon be safely home. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!
Our Freedom Boxes have been sent to our deployed troops and we have gathered addresses of our military sons and daughters unable to be home with us this holiday season. Along with a huge thank you and hugs across the miles, we have sent phone cards to these service men and women.
Here we are in December-holiday time. For many of us, we face new challenges while our children are far from home defending our freedom and our way of life. In that vein, we will be meeting on Sunday, December 9th, for a facilitated support group meeting to recognize and acknowledge the challenges that our Blue Star families may face during this holiday season. We hope that you will join us.
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