GOLD STAR MOTHER'S DAY

Thousands of Iraq war protesters and supporters are set to converge on Washington on Saturday.

Cindy Sheehan's organization, Gold Star Families for Peace, has received a good deal attention as a result of her Bring Them Home Now nationwide bus tour, culminating in the nation's capital this weekend.

Not everyone is happy with Sheehan's exploitation of the "Gold Star" name to push her politics.

American Gold Star Mothers has been forced to have a disclaimer on their website, distancing themselves from Cindy Sheehan's political activism.

From their homepage:

Cindy Sheehan is currently in the news. She and her organization have no connection whatever with American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. We are a 501 C(3) organization and, as such, do not engage in political activities. We do support our troops. After all, they are our children.

Back on August 23, 2005, four national military family organizations issued a press release demanding that Sheehan stop using the "Gold Star" moniker.

NATIONAL MILITARY FAMILY ORGANIZATIONS SAY:

STOP USING ‘GOLD STAR’ IMMEDIATELY

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 23, 2005 – Four national military family organizations are calling for an end to the misuse of one of the nation’s most sacred symbols – the Gold Star – to politicize efforts for ending the war in Iraq.

The American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., Gold Star Wives of America, Inc., Sons and Daughters In Touch and American WWII Orphans Network oppose the use of and reference to the ‘Gold Star’ in the political demonstrations being carried out in Texas and other parts of the United States.

In a joint statement released by the four organizations serving military families:

“The American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., Gold Star Wives of America, Inc., Sons and Daughters In Touch and American WWII Orphans Network object to ‘American Gold Star Families for Peace’ misusing the term ‘Gold Star’ in its political demonstrations.

“These four organizations - representing the mothers, wives and children of U.S. service personnel killed in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and other U.S. military conflicts – are nonpolitical and do not take a position on the merits of the political demonstration being carried out by the group calling themselves ‘American Gold Star Families for Peace.’

“Our loved ones gave their lives to protect the freedom to protest, and we know all too well the pain that these families are now suffering. However, the Gold Star symbol – authorized by Congress to honor a family’s loss in service to our nation – must not be tarnished by partisan political demonstrations.”

That's just something to keep in mind if you hear or see the Gold Star symbol being abused during the protests on Saturday.

This Sunday has been proclaimed Gold Star Mother's Day by President Bush.

He signed the following proclamation on Wednesday.

Gold Star Mother's Day, 2005

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

The men and women of America's Armed Forces selflessly serve to protect our Nation, and they are among our greatest heroes. From the trenches of World War I to the beaches of Normandy, from Korea to Vietnam, from Afghanistan to Iraq, many courageous members of our military have given their lives so that Americans could live in freedom and security. On Gold Star Mother's Day, we recognize and pray for the devoted and patriotic mothers of these men and women in uniform who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our liberty.

America's Gold Star Mothers carry a great burden of grief, yet they show a tremendous spirit of generosity in helping their fellow citizens. With kindness and understanding, they support members of our Armed Forces and their families, provide vital services to veterans, help to educate young people about good citizenship and our Nation's founding ideals, and bring comfort to many in need. We commend these proud women for their compassion, commitment, and patriotism, and our Nation will always honor them for their sacrifice and service.

The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 23, 1936 (49 Stat. 1895 as amended), has designated the last Sunday in September as "Gold Star Mother's Day" and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in its observance. On this day, we express our deep gratitude to our Nation's Gold Star Mothers, and we ask God's blessings on them and on their families.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Sunday, September 25, 2005, as Gold Star Mother's Day. I call upon all Government officials to display the flag of the United States over Government buildings on this solemn day. I also encourage the American people to display the flag and hold appropriate ceremonies as a public expression of our Nation's sympathy and respect for our Gold Star Mothers.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

As you can see, American Gold Star Mothers and Gold Star Families for Peace are poles apart in their missions. The first organization does not politicize the deaths of their precious children. Sheehan's group does.

It's a distinction worth noting. I hope the pain that Saturday's protests may bring to some families of the fallen will be countered by the recognition they will receive on Sunday.

Politics aside, ALL parents who have lost a child in war deserve the sympathy and gratitude of the nation.