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BLUE to GOLD LIAISON

HANDBOOK

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This booklet is dedicated to all the Blue to Gold Liaisons who do all they can to Honor and Remember Our Fallen Heroes and their Families.

It is said, “a man hasn’t died as long as he is remembered.”

Photo Credits: Front Cover: BSM of the High Country NC-10—Boone, NC; Back Top: BSM of the High Country NC-10—Boone, NC; Back Bottom: Blue Star Mothers of Fredericksburg VA4.

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BLUE TO GOLD PROGRAM

After the September 11 terrorist attack on American soil and impending War on the horizon, fear and sorrow entered the hearts of Blue Star Mothers. Memories of the Vietnam War surfaced. Determined not to let our Nation mar the sacrifice of the Warrior or the family left behind, the Blue to Gold program was borne out of honor, love, and respect.

In military tradition, when a man or woman enters the Armed Forces of the United States of America, pledging to defend America with their life a Blue Star Banner may be displayed by their family.

The Red border of the Banner represents the blood shed by past Warriors in defending our Nation.

The field of White symbolizes the purity of Spirit – the price of Peace that only a Warrior understands.

The Blue Star signifies loyalty, honor, and duty entrusted in our Defenders.

If Fate causes the death of a defender, a smaller Gold Star for Valor and Sacrifice is placed over the Blue Star. The border of Blue is a constant reminder the Warrior and family will always be remembered and honored by the brothers and sisters who lived to tell the tale. We, the Blue Star Mothers stand beside our children in this legacy.

The presentation of the Gold Star Banner is a solemn obligation of comfort and love to another parent and spouse. The decision to receive and how to receive the Gold Star Banner is always the decision of the family. It may not be possible for a member to present the banner. Options are the CAO, another organization, i.e., TAPS, Patriot Guard, etc. Under rare circumstances the Gold Star may be mailed.

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Chapters should designate a Blue to Gold Liaison. The office of Chaplain would be a good choice. If Chapters overlap the general area, it is encouraged that they work together and share the honor of the presentation. Occasionally, there is a personal relationship between members which are outside of the designated boundaries. Much compassion and understanding should be given in these circumstances to allow the relationship to take precedence. Remember this is not about the chapter, it’s about the survivors of the deceased defender.

It is also imperative to remember; the organization has been entrusted with the honor of the presenting the Gold Star Banner. Privacy of information must be protected. A data base will be kept of Blue to Gold Liaisons.

CHAPTER LIASION GUIDELINES

♦ Commit to abiding by the wishes of the family and the instructions of the Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO) Note: More than one CAO may be assigned to the family – make sure to coordinate.)

♦ Commit to following the guidelines of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.

♦ Commit to working with the National Third Vice President, Chapter members and all chapters within the State.

♦ Commit to send timely notices and involve state members in the presentation.

♦ Commit to a standardization of presentations within the State.

♦ Commit to ensure that all arrangements and details are finalized.

♦ Commit to the privacy of the family.

♦ Commit to training others in the Chapter of the responsibilities and duties of the Chapter Blue to Gold Liaison.

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CHAPTER PRESENTATIONS GUIDELINES

♦ Contact the National Third Vice President for instruction. 3vp@bluestarmothers.us

♦ Contact the CAO. The duty of the CAO is to protect and honor the family. The CAO answers to the family and the DOD.

♦ If you are not able to contact the CAO ask the funeral director for assistance to make contact.

♦ After contact has been made with the CAO provide your contact information and information on the Blue to Gold Program. This will be relayed to the family. Information on family contact will be given to you by the CAO.

♦ Coordinate the presentation with the CAO.

ELIGIBILITY FOR BLUE STAR BANNER WITH GOLD STAR

Families of military personnel killed in battle, as well as military personnel who pass away while actively serving in our nation's military during a time of conflict, are eligible to receive the Banner.

WHAT DOES SERVICE FLAGS PROVIDE FOR OUR FALLEN HEROES?

If the casualty is within 30 days of the death, the Gold Star banner will be free, but the chapter will be responsible for shipping charges. You can receive up to three banners,

1. Mother

2. Father

3. Spouse

If parents are still married, then it would only be two banners,

1. Parents

2. Spouse.

Additional Gold Star can be purchased at a discounted price for siblings, grandparents, etc.

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If the casualty is beyond the 30 days of the death, the Gold Star w ill be at a discounted price, and the chapter will be responsible for shipping charges.

ORDERING A GOLD STAR BANNER

All Banner requests must go through the Third VP via the BSMA Official Website www.bluestarmothers.org

⇒ After logging in

⇒ Scroll down the left side bar and click on Blue to Gold

⇒ Click on “Gold Star Banner Request Form.”

⇒ Complete form—being careful to check the correctness of all information. The name of the fallen should be listed as it is in the DOD listing or as the parents or spouse have requested.

Note: If the name is different from DOD listing, explain on the form citing the reason for the change.

♦ The Third VP will receive the request via website.

♦ After checking the information for correctness, she will forward to Service Flags. Banner request comes directly from the website to the National Third VP to check for errors, additions, etc. She then forwards to Service Flags for processing.

♦ Service Flags consider Banner requests a top priority. However, if you have a short turn around you may request overnight delivery with the chapter or individual ordering responsible for the payment of this service.

Information that must be completed on the Banner Request Form

⇒ Name of the service person.

⇒ Branch of service

⇒ Spouse's name and address

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⇒ Names of parents and their address. If divorced, both sets of names and addresses.

⇒ Do the parents have any other children currently serving in the Military? (A combination Blue Star with Gold Star Banner is ordered in this circumstance.)

⇒ Your name, address and telephone number, as well as which BSM chapter you belong to.

⇒ Address to where Banners are to be sent.

⇒ Time frame in which Banners are needed.

⇒ Any special instructions (overnight shipping, names spelling, etc.)

GUIDELINES FOR PRESENTATION

♦ Always check with the CAO as to the wishes of the family—if they would like a Banner, when where and how they would like to receive it.

♦ The banner is shipped with a letter from Service Flags and a Cling—either the CAO or the funeral director will give to the family after the funeral.

♦ It is preferred that the “official” Blue Star Mothers uniform (white blouse, Navy jacket, pants or skirt). National Officers and Past National President wear dress whites. Jewelry should be limited to the BSMA official pin and your child’s service pin. If a uniform is not available, suitable funeral attire should be worn.

♦ When presenting the Banner, white gloves should be worn. Hold the Banner with the Star facing the family.

“Those who would disrespect our flag have never been handed a folded one.”

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Presentation of Gold Star Banner

(SPEECH)

Since WWI, mothers have hung Blue Star Banners in their windows while their children served in the armed forces during conflicts or wars. In WWII, this tradition continued, and in Michigan, the Blue Star Mothers of America were formed. Chapters began all across the country.

With all the losses of the war, it was President Wilson who first stated, “Mothers should wear on their left arm a black band adorned with a gold star, in place of their usual mourning attire. He also was the first to use the phrase, “Gold Star Mother.” This star not only symbolizes the supreme sacrifice of the deceased, but it gives the family a measure of pride and consolation.

The honor of being a Blue Star or Gold Star parent is one that only your child can give to you. The Blue Star stands for hope and pride, the Gold Star for sacrifice in the cause of liberty and freedom. As your star has turned to Gold, we will always remember your supreme sacrifice. We are there with you as you cross the bridge from Blue to Gold to support you in any way we can.

On behalf of the Blue Star Mother's of America, we sincerely give you and your family our condolences on the loss of your son (or daughter) ( NAME ) United States (BRANCH).

It is with great honor on behalf of the Blue Star Mothers of America that we present to you this Gold Star Banner, for your loss and sacrifice for our country.

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PARENTS SAMPLE LETTER THAT CAN BE PLACED IN A NICE FOLDER:

BLUE STAR MOTHER OF AMERICA, INC. Houston Area Chapter

P.O. Box 6121, Kingwood, TX 77325 bsmpostmaster@bsmhoustonarea.org

(Date & Year)

Parent Name Address City State Zip Code

Dear Mr. / Mrs. (Parent Name):

On behalf of the Blue Star Mothers of America–Houston Area Chapter, I would like to express our condolences on the loss of your (son/daughter) (Rank & Name).

Please accept this Gold Star Banner with our gratitude for (Name) dedication to service and love of our country. He/She is a cherished part of the soul of our community and a true American hero. We hope that you and your family will understand that this Gold Star serves as a beacon of hope and lights the path of freedom for all.

Blue Star Mothers is a national veteran service organization chartered by Congress. We are the families of men and women serving throughout the world in the United States Armed Forces. Our mission supports active duty service members, their families, and veterans. Our commitment is to ensure that America always remembers her heroes.

The Service flag, also called the Blue Star Flag, is the official banner authorized by the Department of Defense for display by families who have members serving in the Armed Forces. The Blue Star represents the hope and pride in service to America.

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It is a tradition to honor a fallen service member with a Gold Star indicating a family member has been lost while serving during a period of conflict or war in which the United States is engaged. The Gold Star is placed over the Blue Star creating a blue border. The Gold Star represents valor and sacrifice to the cause of liberty and freedom. The Blue Border is a faithful reminder that the service member will always be remembered and honored.

It is with our deepest sympathy that we thank you for the gift of your (son/daughter) (Rank & Name). He/She made a difference in our lives and will remain in our hearts forever. May God bless you and your family.

Very Respectfully, Blue to Gold Liaison

SPOUSE LETTER THAT CAN BE PLACED IN A NICE FOLDER:

BLUE STAR MOTHER OF AMERICA, INC. Houston Area Chapter

P.O. Box 6121, Kingwood, TX 77325 bsmpostmaster@bsmhoustonarea.org

(Date & Year)

Spouse Name Address City State Zip Code Dear Mr. / Mrs. (Spouse Name): On behalf of the Blue Star Mothers of America–Houston Area Chapter, I would like to express our condolences on the loss of your (husband/wife) (Rank & Name). Please accept this Gold Star Banner with our gratitude for (Name) dedication to service and love of our country. He/She is a cherished part of the soul of our community and a true American

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hero. We are also offering a Gold Star Banner for each of your children (Names). We hope that his/her children will understand that this Gold Star serves as a beacon of hope and lights the path of freedom for all.

Blue Star Mothers of America is a national veteran service organization chartered by Congress. We are the families of men and women serving throughout the world in the Armed Forces of the United States. Our mission is to support active duty service members, their families, and veterans. Our commitment is to ensure that America always remembers her heroes.

The Service flag, also called the Blue Star Flag, is the official banner authorized by the Department of Defense for display by families who have members serving in the Armed Forces. The Blue Star represents the hope and pride in service to America.

It is a tradition to honor a fallen service member with a Gold Star indicating a family member has been lost while serving during a period of conflict or war in which the United States is engaged. The Gold Star is placed over the Blue Star creating a blue border. The Gold Star represents valor and sacrifice to the cause of liberty and freedom. The Blue Border is a faithful reminder that the service member will always be remembered and honored.

It is with our deepest sympathy that we thank you for the gift of your (husband/wife) (Rank & Name). He/She made a difference in our lives and will remain in our hearts forever. May God bless you and your family.

Very Respectfully,

Blue to Gold Liaison Thank you to Houston Area Chapter TX2 for sharing their letters.

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MISCELLANEOUS BLUE TO GOLD INFORMATION

Gold Star Lapel Button

If you have a family member, who lost their life while in combat you may be entitled to the "Gold Star Lapel Pin."

Public Law 534 - 89th Congress, directs the design and distribution of a lapel button, to the known as the "Gold Star Lapel Pin," to identify widows, parents and next of kin of members of the Armed Forces of the United States who lost their lives:

1. During World War I, April 6, 1917, to March 3, 1921;

2. During World War II, September 8, 1939, to July 25, 1947;

3. During any subsequent period of armed hostilities in which the United States was engaged before July 1, 1958 (United Nations action in Korea, June 27, 1950, to July 27, 1954);

4. After June 30, 1958

• while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;

• while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force;

• while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict in which the United States is not a belligerent party against an opposing armed force. *

There are 2 different pins. Which one you are awarded depends on the circumstances of your loved one's death.

The following relatives of the deceased are entitled to one or the other of the pins below:

• Widow/Widower

• Mother/Father

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• Stepmother/father

• Adoptive Mother/father

• Foster mother/father in loco parentis

• Son/Daughter

• Stepson/daughter

• Son/daughter by adoption

• Brother/Sister

• Half-brother/sister.

Gold Star Lapel Pin

The Gold Star Lapel Pin is awarded only to the relatives of those killed in specific conflicts listed in the "Information" section on the back of DD Form 3. If your loved one was killed during the time period of one of these conflicts, but not in the official area of the conflict you will receive the Next of Kin Lapel Pin. For example, if, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, a service member was assigned to a unit in Germany and was killed in a training accident, you would not be entitled to the Gold Star Lapel Pin.

Next of Kin Lapel Pin

The Lapel Button, Next of Kin of Deceased Personnel, is authorized for issue retroactive to March 29, 1973. If you are a relative listed above and your loved one died while on active duty or while assigned to an Army Reserve or Army National Guard unit in a drill status, but under circumstances that do not qualify you for the Gold Star Lapel Pin, you should be entitled to the Next of Kin Lapel Pin.

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All Gold Star Banners must be purchased through the National 3rd Vice President.

CODE OF CONDUCT

ARTICLE XIII. BLUE TO GOLD PROGRAM

Section 1. Service Flags, Inc. is a family owned company located in Nevada (a strong supporter and donor to the Corporation since early 2002). All banners are donated or purchased through Service Flags, Inc., because the Corporation has entered into an Agreement with Service Flags, Inc., that permits the Corporation to purchase banners at a lower price than it would otherwise be able to do.

Section 2. A Department of Defense official banner for a Fallen Warrior should be ordered through the N3rdVP and should be presented to the parents and spouse of military personnel killed while serving his or her country. If the parents are not married, a separate banner should be presented to each. Banners for additional family Members may be purchased by the Department or Chapter. The N3rdVP shall oversee and administer this Program.

STATESIDE CASUALTIES

The National 3rd Vice President does not receive all death notification, only those notifications which come through the Department of Defense (DoD). For a Stateside death, if the family is assigned a Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO), this will indicate that the deceased was Active Duty at the time of their death. You may make contact with the funeral home to inquire if the Fallen Hero has a CAO assigned to the family. If the status is unknown, notify the National 3rd VP (3vp@bluestarmothers.us), who will contact military authorities to verify Active Duty status before asking the family if they would like to receive the Gold Star Banner. This will prevent you from telling the family that you are sorry that they are not eligible to receive the Gold Star banner.

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FOLLOWING DoD GUIDELINES

Our organization has to follow the strict DoD guidelines, and if they were not Active Duty when they died, then their family will not be receiving a Gold Star Banner.

WHAT ARE TITLE 10 ORDERS?

For a member of the National Guard or a Reserve Unit to be considered on Active Duty, they have to be on Title 10 Orders. This means they either have to be Active on their one weekend a month/two weeks a year of training, or on their way to or from that training.

Therefore, in the event of a reservist’s death, we need verification that the deceased was on Title 10 orders at the time of death, for the family to receive the Gold Star Banner.

HOW TO RECEIVE DoD CASUALTY NOTIFICATIONS

If you are a newly appointed as the Blue to Gold Liaison or you haven’t been receiving the DoD casualty notifications from the National 3rd Vice President, then you will need to update your BSMA, Inc., national website profile.

Step 1

⇒ www.bluestarmothers.org

⇒ “My profile” tab

⇒ Edit profile

⇒ Mark yes for Blue to Gold Liaison and yes to the E-list

⇒ Save

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Step 2

⇒ Point your cursor over “My Profile”

⇒ Scroll down and click on Contact Preferences

⇒ Click I want to receive emails sent to multiple recipients

⇒ Save

If this does not work, you will need to contact the National Webmaster at webmaster@bluestarmothers.us

WHAT DO THE CASUALTY NOTIFICATIONS LOOK LIKE?

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the ultimate sacrifice made by this service member in defense of his country.

His star has turned to Gold:

Army Casualty

Staff Sgt. Matthew V. Thompson, 28, of Irvine, California, died Aug. 23 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, of injuries caused by an improvised explosive device that detonated near his patrol while conducting dismounted operations. He was supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel. The incident is under investigation.

Thompson was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. For more information, media may contact the U.S. Army Special Operations Command at 910-432-6005 or pao@soc.mil.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q. Does suicide qualify for a Gold Star Banner?

A. Yes, if they were Active Duty at the time of their death.

Q. Why won’t the Casualty Assistant Officer call me back?

A. The CAO is usually new on the job and in the grand scheme of things, you are the least of their worries. They are rushed

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making sure the Fallen Hero arrives at the funeral home, the family’s needs and wishes are met, the funeral services get arranged, the uniform, the medals, the military higher ups, etc..

⇒ My recommendation to you is to email and call (if both are provided) regarding who you are, and what our BSMA organization does for our Fallen Heroes since 9/11. You will need to be patient. Remember the Gold Star Banner does not always have to be presented at the funeral.

⇒ If you are getting no where and you have waited patiently with no reply from the CAO, you may have to contact the funeral home for help. You never want to go directly to the family, because they will be overwhelmed and unable to process your request. In some circumstances like the mother is a member of your chapter or you know the family, then you will need to weigh the situation.

⇒ When you’re allowed to present the Gold Star Banner at the funeral service, please keep in mind that you need to read your speech, present your Gold Star Banner (s) and be done. If you linger, speak too long, read too many poems, this will make the service run longer than need be and make the CAO and military officials not want to involve us in the future. Remember this is about the Fallen Hero and not your presentation.

Q. Is it okay to have other chapter members help with presenting?

A. Yes. When reading your speech, you may have members hold the Gold Star Banner up for the audience to see. Don’t forget white gloves.

Q. Can I just call Service Flags directly to order my Gold Star banner?

A. No, you will need to go through the National 3rd Vice President. The 3rd VP will need to verify that the Fallen Hero was on active duty status at the time of their death.

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◊ Checks to make sure there are no mistakes on the Gold Star banner request form.

◊ Checks for Mothers address and then forwards it to the National Chaplain who will send a card on Gold Star Mothers Day.

◊ Keeps a record of all the Fallen Heroes in our organizations’ database.

Q. Can I call Service Flags directly if I want to order additional Golds Stars for the Fallen Heroes siblings or children?

A. Yes, once you sent in your Gold Star banner request you may contact them in the future to order addition banners or replace a faded old Gold Star.

SUICIDE PREVENTION AND FAMILY SUPPORT

VETERANS CRISIS LINE

The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals is available. www.veteranscrisisline.net

COACHING INTO CARE

Coaching Into Care is a national telephone service of the VA which aims to educate, support, and empower family members and friends who are seeking care or services for a Veteran. Our goal is to help Veterans, their family members, and other loved ones find the appropriate services at their local VA facilities and/or in their community. We also provide coaching to family and friends of Veterans who see that a Veteran in their life may be having difficulty adjusting to civilian life. Coaching is provided by

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licensed psychologists or social workers, free-of-charge. Coaching involves helping our callers figure out how to motivate the Veteran to seek treatment. We can help you get information about mental health, services at the VA and tips on how to begin the conversation about treatment with a loved one who is a Veteran. 1-888-823-7458 www.mirecc.va.gov/coaching

VA COMBAT CALL CENTER

The VA Combat Call Center, located outside of Denver, Colo., is a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week referral service for Veterans, family members and anyone looking to help a Veteran. We also field calls from active-duty members and their family members seeking counseling services with Vet Centers across the country. 1-877-WAR-VETS.

VETS4WARRIORS.COM or call: 1-855-838-8255.

MOTHERS OF 22 PLUS 1 — Private Facebook Group

If you are a Mother, who lost a son or daughter to suicide, whether as a Veteran or Active Duty, there is a private Facebook group for Mothers ONLY. This is a safe place to unite, communicate and heal. Please contact Christine Cromeenes Boyd, if you would like to be added to this private group.

THE 13 FOLDS OF THE AMERICAN FLAG

The first fold is a symbol of life.

The second fold is for our belief in eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing rank, who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The fourth fold stands for our weaker nature; as American

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citizens trusting in God, it’s to Him we turn to in times of peace as well as war for his divine guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to America. In the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”

The sixth fold is where our heart lies. It’s with our flag that we pledge allegiance to the flag and the republic it stands for.

The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces. For it is the armed forces that protect our country and flag against enemies, whether they be domestic or foreign.

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, for it is through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for He has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born.

The eleventh fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost.

When the flag is completely folded, which some consider the 13th fold; the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”

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POW/MIA TABLE OF HONOR

You see before you an empty table, set for service but vacant. This table is symbolic of our fallen comrades-in-arms and those whose fate is still unknown.

This table set for one is small.

**(It is set with eight chairs – one each for the members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, as well as for Fire Fighters, Police Officers, and Civilians.) **Alternative

The table is round, symbolizing our everlasting concern for those still missing. REMEMBER.

The table cloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions in responding to their country’s call to arms. REMEMBER.

The single rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who keep the faith awaiting their return. REMEMBER.

The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn on the lapel and breasts of thousands, bearing witness to their unyielding demand for a proper accounting of our missing. REMEMBER.

A slice of lemon is on the bread plate, symbolic of their bitter fate. REMEMBER.

There is salt upon the bread plate, symbolic of the family’s tears as they wait. REMEMBER.

The glass is inverted, for they cannot toast with us this night. REMEMBER.

The chairs – the chairs are empty – they are not here. REMEMBER.

REMEMBER – all of you served with them and called them comrades, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely, they have not forsaken you.

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FLAG ETIQUETTE

Displaying the Flag Indoors

When on display, the flag is accorded the place of honor, always positioned to its own right. Place it to the right of the speaker or staging area or sanctuary. Other flags should be to the left.

The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of State or localities or pennants or societies are

grouped and displayed from staffs.

The Flag in Mourning

To place the flag at half staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position half way between the top and bottom of the staff. The flag is to be raised again to the peak for a moment before it is lowered. On Memorial Day the flag is displayed at half staff until noon and at full staff from noon to sunset.

The flag is to be flown at half staff in mourning for designated, principal government leaders and upon presidential or gubernatorial order.

When used to cover a casket, the flag should be placed with the union at the head and over the left shoulder. It should not be lowered into the grave.

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National Anthem

Oh, say can you see, By the dawn's early light,

What so proudly we hailed, At the twilight's last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars, Through the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watched, Were so gallantly streaming.

And the rocket's red glare, The bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night, That our flag was still there.

Oh say does that star spangled banner yet wave, For the land of the free, and the home of the brave.

God Bless America

God bless America, Land that I love,

Stand beside her and guide her Thru the night with a light from above;

From the mountains to the prairies, To the oceans white with foam,

God bless America, My home, sweet home.

God bless America, My home, sweet home.

This booklet was designed and created by:

National 3rd Vice President - Christine Boyd

Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., 2017

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“To be killed in a war is not the worst that can happen. To be lost is not the worst. To be forgotten is the worst.” -Pierre Claeyssens