Wreaths of Remembrance in Londonderry ~ Blue Star Mothers of NH

Wreath Laying to be Held this Saturday

The members of the New Hampshire Blue Star Mothers will again host a wreath laying ceremony on the Town Common this weekend. The ceremony will be held in memory of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom, in honor of those presently servicing in the military and in tribute to U.S. military personnel whose last known status was either Prisoner of War of Missing in Action.

Saturday, December 7, 2013 at 9 AM

This marks the fifth year the Blue Star Mothers have come together for a wreath laying. Past ceremonies have opened with a moment of silence to remember the fallen, a speech on behalf of the mothers, and the laying of the wreath.

History of the Blue Star Mothers

On January 22, 1942 the Flint News Advertiser printed a coupon asking Mothers of serviceman to return the coupon after filling it out. The following February 1st 300 mothers met in the Durant Hotel, in Flint Blue Star Mothers Michigan. Captain George H. Maines, who had conceived the idea for this group, acted as the chair of this first meeting. It was decided that after receiving 1000 responses from the ad to form a permanent organization.

On February 6th the organization was reported on Congressional record. Chapters then formed in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, California, Iowa and Washington. In June of 1960 the organization was chartered by congress.

Mothers volunteered throughout the tough times of World War II. They worked in hospitals, train stations, packed care packages for soldiers and were an working part of homeland security during times our time of war. The organization waned in size over the years but has held together by mothers showing pride in both their children and country. In recent times they have began to grow in strength. Being attacked on our own soil has once again started mothers hanging flags in their windows at home proclaiming pride in the fact that we have children protecting our freedom during at time of war.

The organization not only provides support for active duty service personnel, promotes patriotism, assists Veterans organizations, and are available to assist in homeland volunteer efforts to help our country remain strong.