March-April 2008 H Issue Number 133
2128 Leroy Place, NW, Washington, DC 20008
From the Desk of the National President
Greetings to our Gold Star Mothers: On January 3l, 2008, by way of invitation from the Blue Star Moms of the East Bay Chapter #10l, Ruth Stonesifer and I flew to San Francisco, CA to attend the California Gold Star Parents Remembrance and Honor. It was an event that will never be forgotten because of the work, dedication, kindness and respect that was afforded us. Mary Jane Kiepe Our accommodations were 2007-2008 at the Marines' Memorial Club President and Hotel right in the heart of the city. All the events were held in this beautiful building circa 1930's. We were asked to bring pictures and memorabilia of our sons, and when we arrived, tribute tables were set up and ready for the display. The memories flowed in the room as we all visited each of the tables. We attended small group discussions facilitated by Gold Star Parents where we shared with each other. It was a time of friendship, connecting and sharing. There were buffet lunches, receptions to meet other participants, photo ops and continual work by the gracious Blue Star Moms. Ruth and I will agree that the highlight of our visit was the Memorial Service held in the Marines Theater. As we
entered, each Mother was given a white rose. We were then escorted to the front to place the rose by our son's name with a votive candle waiting to be lit. The families who had not received their Gold Star Flag, were presented a personalized one by General Mattis. As the program continued, a video was shown with each son or daughters' picture with a short memory read as the pictures were shown. Tears were shed with pride as the program continued. Our visit ended with a Tribute Dinner held in the Commandant's Room of the Hotel on Friday evening. We returned to our homes on Saturday with much to tell about OUR TRIP OF HONOR. On February 10, I returned to Washington DC to prepare for the National Executive Board to arrive. My husband Glenn and his sister, Liz Ridings, stayed one night with me and then traveled on to Virginia to visit relatives and go sightseeing. By Feb. 13, there were five of us there and we attended the National Geographic and Vietnam Veterans of America Premiere presentation of the movie IN THE VIETNAM WAR. I was given the honor of leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Those attending were: Georgie Krell, Norma Luther, Judi Tapper and Ruth Stonesifer.

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