Duty, Honor, Courage

Duty, honor, courage…

Comfort, healing, valor...

In part from the Presidential Proclamation on Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day, 2018

“Courageous Americans of every generation have given their last full measure of devotion in defense of our country and our freedom.  The families who stood alongside these heroes have paid a price no family should ever have to pay.  Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day is a solemn reminder that these families ‑‑ the families of our fallen service members ‑‑ bear the burden of their loss forever.

A century ago, President Woodrow Wilson approved a recommendation by the Women’s Committee of National Defenses for mothers to display a gold star on an armband of black cloth to enhance public recognition for the loss of their children in World War I.  Since then, millions of families have tragically traded in blue stars for heroes fighting for America for gold stars of the fallen ‑‑ a badge of honor they wished they would never have to hold.

Although they have suffered unimaginable sorrow, Gold Star families have charged forward with inspiring strength and determination, giving selflessly to their communities and our country.  They support our men and women in uniform, our wounded warriors, and our veterans.  Their unselfish leadership fosters patriotism and encourages us to consider what we can do to be better citizens.”

Today, we honor the memory of Major Stephen Reich.  While trying to rescue an elite U.S. military team that still remains missing in the mountains of Kunar province, MAJ Reich of Washington Depot, Conn. was one of 16 troops killed when their MH-47 Chinook helicopter was shot down. The soldiers were assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) from Georgia.

Today, we honor the courage  and fortitude of Major Reich’s mother who continues to work tirelessly to honor veterans in many ways, one of which is as President of the Board of Quilts of Valor Foundation.

Thank you, Sue, for being a leader in all you do to honor the memory of those brave men and women lost to us forever and to comfort and honor those brave men and women whom we can wrap with comfort and healing.