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Monday, November 23, 2015

Today we bow our heads to give thanks

Thanks to our Creator whose wisdom and strength is infinite.
Thanks to the winds, for cleansing tired and weary souls,
Thanks to the waters for life sustaining
Thanks to the Mother Earth as we lay her weary head to rest for
another season
Thanks to the Father Sun for warming our souls on the long cold days
Thanks to the fires that life is reborn anew.
Yes Creator today we give thanks for all of your little miracles
we take so much for granted each day
I thank you Creator for my warrior son,
Whose proud stance and carriage has
Carried him through many dark days,
And even darker nights.
He knows the Warriors Creed and
Knows the life he lives was chosen
Long ago for him.
I thank you Creator for the many hands
Each one holding a star blue or gold, to be enfolded
In this blanket not yet made
Each star is a prayer yet unanswered
They that share the knitting of a new blanket
In life they are the ones keeping the home fires lit
They are -
The mothers who stand beside, their child
Who are so far away, but so very near
The wives who stand beside their husbands
Who are so far away but so very near
The daughters who stand beside their
Mothers and grandmothers waiting for mommy or daddy to come home.
The husbands and fathers who stand waiting for their loved one
To come home.
Creator this day we give thanks
For prayers not yet answered.
Keep all of our family near and far strong –
know in our weakest moments
we are the strongest, know in the darkest moments
we are the light to guide them home.
Yes Creator this is a day of thanks
For all that has come before
And all that will come after.
Each little moment we give thanks
To you.
Keep our warriors strong,
Keep our warriors safe
Until all our hands and voices
Once again join together
Singing praise of Thanksgiving
Lynn VanCoonis 2007
Proud NH Blue Star Mother

Monday, November 16, 2015

Sharing from Ted Luszey, Operation Care for Troops (formally known as MooreMart)

Sharing from Ted Luszey, Operation Care for Troops (formally known as MooreMart)

Operation Care for Troops had a GREAT weekend! With the incredible support from the many generous people, corporations and , New Hampshire communities we collected enough supplies for our Holiday packing and for our next Winter Packing! We estimate three tons of goodies were put into storage after Saturday's event. With all your help Operation Care for Troops shipped 4751 Holiday stockings to our men and women serving in harms way. Even as we were packing these goodies and cards for our Troops we were getting new requests to send packages. We met these challenges and we exceeded our goal by more than 100% and we fullfilled all requests received! Thanks to each of you and your hard work.

On behalf of all of us at Operation Care for Troops I want to thank each and every one of you for your generosity and commitment to our mission of supporting our Troops and Veterans during this Holiday Season...

Thank you and happy Holidays!!

Ted Luszey
Operation Care for Troops

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

An Open Letter to Our Veterans

Since we became an independent country many years have come and gone, however, there is one constant that remains from the 1700’s through today. Our country has had many brave men and women volunteer to defend our country. There was a movie produced about World War II, whose name I cannot recall, but at the end there is a line which rings true (even though the words are not an exact quote), “Where do we get these brave men and women to always step forward when the need arises?” These men and women come from all over our country and too many times are taken for granted. Men and women, who during times of war and peace, are on-call 24 hours a day 7 days a week and spend countless holidays, birthdays and special events away from their family and friends. The pay is not great, but they continue to volunteer and many make it a career. They are mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, cousins and friends. We may not always agree in the wars and battles that we fight, but this should not deter us from the support we give to these men and women in uniform. It is through the sacrifice that they and the numerous individuals before them have made, which provides us with the freedoms we have to disagree and speak our objections. While words cannot pay what we owe you and your families, we ‘thank you’ for your sacrifice. To the families who have lost loved ones, we offer our most heartfelt condolences. Many of us have never endured the pain you must feel, but our hearts hurt for your loss and wish we could help ease your pain. Let us never forget the people who did not make it home. Remember those still serving in our prayers and never take for granted the sacrifices they make. In closing, one more time I would like to say…… THANK YOU!!!
Wreaths for Boscawen ~ 

We want to share with you a great event that is happening in New Hampshire on December 12, 2015


Wreaths for NH Veterans Cemetery

We will be laying 1,500 wreaths at the NH Veterans Cemetery

on December 12, 2015 ~ Starting at 10:30am

This is an idea that started with a Gold Star Family in 2007 and was inspired by the wreaths placed at Arlington National Cemetery (Worcester Wreath Company) the Blue Star Mothers decided we needed to answer this Christmas wish.
Your donation of $7.00 will help us purchase the 12" Balsam Wreaths with a four loop red bow. Our wreaths are purchased locally and delivered to the NH Veterans Cemetery on December 12th. Download the donation form where you can make your donation in Honor of or in Memory of someone that will be entered on our Tribute page

Join us for the Wreaths for Boscawen on December 12th. To learn more visit: Blue Star Mothers of NH ~ Wreaths for Boscawen .


Friday, September 25, 2015

Military Appreciation Day at Apple Hill Farm

Military Appreciation Day
Apple Hill Farm
Sunday, October 11, 2015

Apple Hill Farm, Concord, NH invites you to their annual Military Appreciation Day. There will be apple picking, face painting, pumpkin painting, apple crisp and ice cream, and lots of other activities. Best of all, the day is FREE to all Military members, including those who are currently serving, Veterans, Retirees, and their families.

No need to register, you only need your Military ID to be part of the day. If you are a parent or significant other of a Military member and don’t have a Military ID, e-mail the Blue Star Mothers at nhbluestarmom@yahoo.com and they will add you to their list.

WHO: All current Military members, Veterans and Retirees and their respective families;
WHEN: Sunday, October 11, 2015 from 12 to 4PM
WHERE: Apple Hill Farm, Concord, NH ~ 580 Mountain Road, Concord, NH
CHARGE: FREE!

Apple Hill Farm is located at 580 Mountain Road, Concord, NH 03301. From the south, take Exit 17 off Route 93. Go left at the top of the ramp, then left at the stop sign; from the north take exit 17E off Route 93, and bear right over the highway then go left at the stop sign and look for the Apple Hill Farm sign on your right.

The Souther Family honors all Military, past and present, and are looking forward to seeing you again this year.

Chuck and Diane Souther
http://www.applehillfarmnh.com/


Gold Star Mothers Day Observed

Gold Star Mothers Day Observed ~ September 27, 2015

The United States began observing Gold Star Mothers Day on the last Sunday of September in 1936. It is a day for people to recognize and honor those who have lost a son or daughter while serving the United States Armed Forces.

Mothers of fallen service members began calling themselves "Gold Star Mothers" during the First World War, but the sorrowful bond they share reaches back to every woman who has lost a son or daughter in uniform since our nation's revolution.

In 1918 President Woodrow Wilson approved the wearing of black armbands bearing a gold star by those who had a family member who died in the military service to the United States. This distinguished them from the blue stars, representing a family member presently serving in the armed forces.

During World War I, families would hang flags in their windows that were white with red borders, inside, a blue star would represent each family member who was serving in the military. The name the Gold Star Mothers was derived from the custom of military families who when a service member was killed, the blue star was changed to a gold star.

Eleven years after the end of World War I, the United States Congress took an unprecedented step in the history of warfare, giving unusual recognition to the mothers of those killed in that war.

American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. was incorporated in 1929, obtaining a federal charter from the US Congress. It began with 25 mothers living in the Washington DC area and soon expanded to include affiliated groups throughout the nation. On June 23, 1936, a joint congressional resolution designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother's Day, a holiday that has been observed each year by a presidential proclamation.

In 1947, the Gold Star Lapel pin was designed and created to be presented to eligible surviving family members of service members who died while deployed in support of overseas contingency operations, or who died from wounds sustained in theater. A gold star symbolizes a family member who died in the line of duty while serving the United States Armed Forces.  It may be seen on a service flag or in the form of a pin, which is worn by Gold Star mothers. The pin is not limited to mothers and it is awarded by the US Department of Defense.

In the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944:

"There is nothing adequate which anyone in any place can say to those who are entitled to display the gold star in their windows America lives in freedom because of the sacrifices of America's finest citizens and of the mothers who raised them.."


Thursday, September 24, 2015

Supporting the Blue Star Mothers of NH with AmazonSmile

About AmazonSmile
What is AmazonSmile?
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. You can choose from nearly one million organizations to support.
How do I shop at AmazonSmile?
To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile.
Which products on AmazonSmile are eligible for charitable donations?
Tens of millions of products on AmazonSmile are eligible for donations. You will see eligible products marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on their product detail pages. Recurring Subscribe-and-Save purchases and subscription renewals are not currently eligible.
Can I use my existing Amazon.com account on AmazonSmile?
Yes, you use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile. Your shopping cart, Wish List, wedding or baby registry, and other account settings are also the same.
How do I select a charitable organization to support when shopping on AmazonSmile?
On your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), you need to select a charitable organization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. We will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.
Can I change my charity?
Yes, you can change your charity any time. Your AmazonSmile purchases after the change count towards your newly selected charity. To change your charity, sign in to smile.amazon.com on your desktop or mobile phone browser and simply select “Change your Charity” in “Your Account.”
What charities can I choose from?
You can choose from almost one million eligible 501(c)(3) public charitable organizations.
What if my selected charity does not register to participate in the AmazonSmile program or becomes ineligible?
If an organization does not register to participate or becomes ineligible, you will have a chance to select a different organization or we will redistribute donations earned among other organizations receiving donations.
If I represent a charitable organization, how can I learn more about registering my organization for AmazonSmile?
Go to org.amazon.com to learn how to register your organization to receive donations.
How much of my purchase does Amazon donate?
The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases. The purchase price is the amount paid for the item minus any rebates and excluding shipping & handling, gift-wrapping fees, taxes, or service charges. From time to time, we may offer special, limited time promotions that increase the donation amount on one or more products or services or provide for additional donations to charitable organizations. Special terms and restrictions may apply. Please see the relevant promotion for complete details.
Can I receive a tax deduction for amounts donated from my purchases on AmazonSmile?
Donations are made by the AmazonSmile Foundation and are not tax deductible by you.
How can I learn more about AmazonSmile?
Please see complete AmazonSmile program details.

Monday, July 27, 2015

70th Anniversary of the end of WWII Pacific ceremony at the NH State Veterans Cemetery

The ceremony will be hosted jointly by MOPH Dept of Northern New England and Purple Heart Riders National Association.
When: Friday, August 14 
Time: 6:30PM – about 30 minutes long
Wreath: provided by Purple Heart Riders National Association
Guest Speaker: One of the Cmdrs of the hosting organizations (plans still being developed).
Plan to end at 7PM and have Taps sounding done by 100 Nights of Remembrance.
V/r,
Mike
Michael W. Horne
Director, NH State Veterans Cemetery
110 Daniel Webster Highway
Boscawen , NH 03303
Phone: 603-796-2026 ext 100
Cell phone: 603-568-8709
Email: mhorne@nhsvc.com

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Shoes and Sneakers for Liberty House

Hello Kathy and gang,

Our customers at Blue Seal in Derry, NH have collected over 250 shoes for the Liberty house this past month. Our goal was for 300 so we have a little ways to go. We have a box at our store, people can use our drive thru to have us unload the shoes or back packs that they donate for the Liberty House. You don’t even have to get out of your car if you don’t want to:)

Our animal Vet  is also a drop off spot . The Deerfield Vet Office of Dr Simon George on 150 South Rd in Deerfield NH, there is a huge box inside.

The front office on the left side. If you stop in to drop off please thank them, they also have been a huge hit with collecting clothes and the previous Winter helping us collect over 100 sleeping bags for the homeless veterans. Dr Georges wife Jenny is amazing sending out info on what we are collecting via Facebook and using her office to benefit our needs.

Hope everyone is well,

Kerry Rodgers

Friday, May 22, 2015

Memorial Day Prayer

We stand for them.......The young and the brave......Now that day is done.
We stand for them with honor, with pride, with broken hearts and empty arms......
Memorial Day.
Our heroes have gone on before us - too young to go - but too brave to stay. Our hearts were set on our lives together, an eternity of days, a future of tomorrows...... yet, day is done.
We draw together in prayer.
May we give thanks to the Almighty that we have such a land of blessing and hope to live in. A land provided and sustained by the brave of our nation. Those who have stepped forth to right wrongs and secure liberties. Those, our heroes, who have gone before us.
May we remember and pray for their families ~ seeking their comfort, their healing, their strength. May we beseech God that they may live in peace, the peace brought forth to our nation by the sacrifice of their hero.
And may we pray for one another. May we never forget what our heroes have given. May we hold our standards high and bringing their honor forth.
Those, too young to go - but too brave to stay......
Now day is done.....
WE STAND FOR THEM!
Peace and Prayers,
May your Memorial Day be One of Blessing, Safety, and Honor,
Rev. Lin McGee
Former National Chaplain
Star Mothers of America, Inc.



Friday, May 15, 2015

Special Prayers for Armed Forces Day

SPECIAL PRAYERS -- Armed Forces Day Each year, we in America set aside the third Saturday in May to honor our Nation's Armed Forces. . . . . . .

ARMY -- I am an American Soldier. I am a Warrior and a member of a team. 'First to fight for the right, And to build the Nation's might, And the Army goes rolling along......'

MARINES -- Before God I swear this creed. My rifle and I are the defenders of my country. We are the masters of our enemy. 'From the Halls of Montezuma, To the shores of Tripoli, We fight our country's battles, In the air, on land, and sea.......'

NAVY -- I am a United States Sailor. I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me. 'Anchors Aweigh, my boys, Anchors Aweigh, Farewell to college joys , We sail at break of day, 'ay 'ay 'ay .......'

AIR FORCE -- I am an American Airman. I am a Warrior. I have answered my nation's call. 'Off we go into the wild blue yonder, Climbing high into the sun; Here they come zooming to meet our thunder, At 'em boys, Give 'er the gun........'

COAST GUARD -- I am proud to be a United States Coast Guardsman. I revere that long line of expert seamen who by their devotion to duty and sacrifice of self have made it possible for me to be a member of a service honored and respected, in peace and in war, throughout the world. 'We're always ready for the call, We place our trust in Thee. Through surf and storm and howling gale, High shall our purpose be........'

As the mothers, fathers, family, and friends of this proud and outstanding fighting force, what better way to honor our heroes than through prayer to the Almighty? May we stand together this Saturday, May 16, 2015, as the enduring force of strength behind our military men and women ~ lifting our voices in prayer ~ giving faithful word to the Almighty for their protection, thanksgiving for their well being, petition for their wisdom, and appreciation for their service. God Bless the Men and Women of Our Armed Forces!!!

Prayers,

Rev. Lin McGee
Past National Chaplain Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.


Thursday, May 14, 2015

New Hampshire Blue Star Mother's Day

New Hampshire Blue Star Mother's Day
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 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.
The Blue Star Flag again became a symbol of love, pride, hope and grave concern. It also became a symbol of what Americans at home could do to increase a mother's chance of seeing her son's safe return: rationing, working in factories building needed materials, and even reminding all at home that "loose lips sink ships". The Blue Star Flag, often quickly visible from the windows of many houses up and down any given street in America, symbolized a pride in the commitment of America's youth and a reminder of the gravity of the entire war effort.
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 national organization waned in size over the years but has held together by mothers showing pride in both their children and country. In recent times we 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.
Just as when it was founded, the Blue Star Mothers continues to concentrate on providing emotional support to its members, providing support to active military troops, doing volunteer work with veterans in general and veterans’ hospitals in particular, and fostering a sense of patriotism and respect for members of the Armed Forces.
Blue Star Mothers do much more than volunteer in VA hospitals and outreach centers. They work in physical and emotional rehabilitation; help with medical supplies, transportation, food, clothing and friendship, gratitude and love.
On September 29, 2005 Blue Star Mothers of New Hampshire was chartered. We were the first chapter in New Hampshire history. In 2012 the Governor proclaimed the first Sunday after Mother's Day as Blue Star Mother's Day recognizing and honoring all mothers who now have, or have had, children honorably serving in the United States armed forces. The governor urges the citizens of this state to observe this day with appropriate events.
On this day take a moment to say thank you to all who have served, say a prayer for those who are serving far away from home and hang your Blue Star Banner proudly.



Thursday, April 30, 2015

MENTAL ARMOR. RESILIENT FAMILIES TRAINING

SAVE THE DATE! 

The NHNG Family Program cordially invites you and your family to attend our Day of Training event: 
MENTAL ARMOR. RESILIENT FAMILIES. 
Saturday, 30 May 2015 
Marriott-Grappone Conference Center, 70 Constitution Avenue, Concord, NH. 
We are thrilled to have Ottis West & Chris Poe from 'TechWerks' lead us through an informative and thought-provoking day of Resilience training. 
This event is open to ALL Service Members and their Family members, all branches, all ranks, EVERYONE! 
There will be vendors and resource tables from all over the state representing various programs that support military members and their families. Did I mention FREE STUFF!? We are here to support you! Don't miss out on this awesome opportunity! 
This event kicks off at 0800 and concludes at 1600. Lunch will be 'on your own.' 
We request that all attendees please register for this event via Joint Services Support (JSS) https://www.jointservicessupport.org/Info/61M902 
We respectfully suggest business casual attire for all attendees- no uniforms please. 
More information can be found by visiting the registration link. There is no cost for this event
Unfortunately, Child Care will not be provided. 
We look forward to seeing you there! 
Warm Regards, 
NHNG Family Program Staff 
Please reply to: jeremy.d.hutchinson.ctr@mail.mil for all correspondence related to this email 
https://www.jointservicessupport.org/Info/61M902 
Please reply to: jeremy.d.hutchinson.ctr@mail.mil for all correspondence related to this email

Saturday, February 7, 2015

Blue Star Mothers of NH Night with the Monarchs Fundraiser!

Manchester Monarch's v. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
The fun takes place on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 3pm at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester.
Tickets on Sale Now!
$20.00 for Gold Level Seating! Tickets must be purchased by February 20th!!
Blue Star Mothers will be recognized during the game!
Tickets can be purchased by contacting Jason Jones at the Monarchs ~ jjones@manchestermonarchs.com or
buy tickets on our web site, http://www.bluestarmothersofnh.org/Fundraisers.html.
Come team up with the Manchester Monarchs as they support the
Blue Star Mothers of NH and their efforts to support military parents and veterans!
For more information contact our 2nd Vice President Joy @ 603-677-6901.

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Cancelling Wreath Pick up at NH Veterans Cemetery

Just in from Mike Horne ~

This morning we made the decision to cancel the wreath pick-up Saturday, January 10th for safety reasons.

The crust on the snow is slippery, even when it breaks and people step through it.

And there’s some ice on walkway and pavement that when dusted with snow can be a problem.

We’ll send out a News item from here and change the web calendar event saying the pick-up is canceled.

Please do the same with your web and FB.

The staff will pick wreaths up throughout the winter as the schedule allows and any remaining when the snow retreats.

Like we did last year.


Thanks,

Mike

Michael W. Horne
Director, NH State Veterans Cemetery
110 Daniel Webster Highway
Boscawen, NH 03303
Phone: 603-796-2026 ext 100
Cell phone: 603-568-8709
Email: mhorne@nhsvc.com
Web: www.nhsvc.com