Remembering Mothers of Fallen: Gold Star Mother’s Day 9/30/12

Since a Presidential proclamation in 1936, the last Sunday in September has been dedicated as “Gold Star Mother’s Day” to honor those mothers and families that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country’s freedom. Each year, we honor those who have  lost a loved one to war. Four years ago, marineparents.com started the Gold Star Mother’s Day Luminary Initiative, encouraging the creation and display of star-motif luminaries dedicated to the Gold Star Wives and Families.

If you know of someone who has lost a child to war, you can show your caring and support by lighting a Gold Star luminary on Sunday September 30, 2012. Here are simple instructions from www.goldstarmothersday.com to make your own luminary. And if you want more information about the organization Gold Star Wives, you’ll find information below as well.

Easy Steps to Making a Gold Star Mother’s Day Luminary from www.goldstarmothersday.com.

To make your own luminaries, you will need:

• Tea candles
• Lunch size white paper bags
• Scissors
• Star pattern
• Sand or water-filled candle base
• Grill lighter

Step 1
Decide how many luminaries to make. They work best spaced two to three feet apart.

Step 2
Fold the top half-inch of the bag outward over itself. Fold again. It will stabilize the bag and keep it open.

Step 3
Use the star pattern to trace a star under the bag’s fold. Keeping the star near the top will reduce the risk of drafts extinguishing the candle.
(You can free-hand or use the outline provided here. For a larger star pattern,

Step 4
If using the sand candle base; fill each bag with 1 inch of sand, approximately 1 cup. It keeps the luminary from blowing over and helps to safeguard against fire. If using the water-filled candle base; put the candle in the candle holder, and place it in the bag.

Step 5
Light the luminary.

Warning: For outdoor use only. Never leave your home while your luminaries are lit, and make sure the luminaries are far away from anything that could accidentally be set on fire.

Gold Star Wives of America

The Gold Star Wives of America is an organization for widows whose spouse died while serving on active duty. The GSW has been around since the early times of World War II, because there simply needed to be support within the community of spouses who lost their loved ones in war. The overall mission and goal for the GSW is to be able to “Provide service, support and friendship to the widows and widowers of military personnel who died on active duty or as the result of a service connected cause.”

Widows and widowers are provided the necessary resources and information needed when referring to; survivor benefits, state benefits, support within the local community and various volunteer opportunities with the Department of Veterans Affairs and military hospitals.

If you or someone you know has lost a spouse in combat, please be sure to share the Gold Star Wives of America with them. Even if you are not a widow or widower, you can help by donating or assisting with the many events in your area.

To find out more about applying, volunteering or donating to the Gold Star Wives of America please visit their website: http://www.goldstarwives.org/index.htm

For more on Angela Caban, visit her website at www.angelacaban.com.

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