The national convention of the American Gold Star Mothers can be described in several ways I suppose but I found it mostly encouraging.  The busy weekend included a great evening buffet at the famous Wildhorse Saloon in downtown Nashville, a trip to see the Grand Ole Opry, and lively entertainment at the evening banquet on Sunday.

Angels in White, gathering of American Gold Star Mothers in Nashville, TN June 26, 2011

Gold Star Moms from all over the country got together to discuss the workings of local chapters, departments, and the Nation Board.  Of course, national elections were part of this process, along with reports from various committees and board members.  But I think the exchanged of ideas and the personal encouragement as we each forge ahead at the local level made the busy weekend truly memorable.

The moms who “know the ropes” patiently explained procedures to those of us who are “newbies” to the process.  The mission and goals of American Gold Star Mothers was reaffirmed.  Lasting friendships were formed.

We all know we had truly special heroes in our sons or daughters, but I think I can honestly say we belong to a truly special group of moms as well.  I am blessed to know all of you moms out there!

Memorial Day 2011

Inland Empire Chapter of Gold Star Moms placed a wreath at the Memorial Day ceremony at Riverside National Cemetery.  In this photo are Brenda Pallares, Kim Creed, Lynn Jardinico (Klasno) and Teresa Bullock.  The event was well attended by the community.

Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America at Riverside National Cemetery December, 2010

Inland Empire Gold Star Moms placed wreaths at Riverside National Cemetery in December as part of the Wreaths Across America project.

Inland Empire Gold Star Moms were invited to take part in the 6th Annual Salute to Veterans Parade in Riverside, Ca. It was a great event.  The parade has several sponsors, the largest of which is Stater Brothers grocery stores.

Some of our Inland Empire moms shared a delightful luncheon in March at the Farmhouse Restaurant owned by Gold Star Mom  Jackie Palmer-Kennedy.  It was great to have two of our Vietnam era moms with us.

In this photo are Woodie Buys, Bette Freeman, Lynn Jardinico (Klasno), Vickie Castro, Kim Creed, and Jackie Palmer-Kennedy.

By now most of you should have info on the Wreaths Across America fundraiser.  For every $15.00 sponsorship, Gold Star Moms gets $5.00.  We are sponsoring wreaths at Riverside National Cemetery. They will be placed on the second Saturday in December.  Anyone can volunteer to assist in placing the wreaths.  We would like to be able to get a wreath on all of the KIAs from Iraq and Afghanistan that are buried in  RNC (it’s about 75).

If you don’t have info already, please contact Lynn so she can get you the forms.  Everything must be in Wreaths Across America hands by the Monday after Thanksgiving.   So…….time’s a wastin’.

More info at the November meeting on the 6th.

The Inland Empire Chapter of American Gold Star Mothers was officially installed on August 19^th at Gold Star Manor in Long Beach.  National President Molly Morel conducted the official swearing in.  The ceremony was in the middle of a workday so I had to dash in and out, but it worked out anyway.  I am deeply honored to serve as the IEGSM chapter president and hope that we can move our fledgling chapter forward.  Thank you to all who have transferred to the Inland Empire Chapter.  We should be able to accomplish great things as “sisters” in the Gold Star Moms organization.

Attached are two photos from the ceremony.  I did manage to get half of the white outfit accomplished before dashing out again to my job inspecting roofs (a job that I might add is not conducive to staying clean!).  Congratulations to all of us!

Welcome to the new Inland Empire Gold Star Moms website! Stay tuned for chapter updates and Community Service assignments.