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Thursday, November 3, 2016

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

Wreaths for Boscawen ~ 
We want to share with you a great event that is happening in New Hampshire on December 17, 2016

Wreaths for NH Veterans Cemetery

We will be laying 1,200 wreaths at the NH Veterans Cemetery

on December 17, 2016 ~ 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 17th. 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 17th. To learn more visit: Blue Star Mothers of NH ~ Wreaths for Boscawen .

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Military Appreciation Day at Apple Hill Farm

When: Sunday, October 9, 2016 ~ Noon - 4 pm
Where: Apple Hill Farm, Concord, New Hampshire
WHO: All Military members, Veterans, Retirees and their families;
COST: None, it’s FREE!
Chuck and Dian Souther invite you to their annual Military Appreciation Day. There will be free apple picking, face painting, pumpkin painting, apple crisp, and more. The day is FREE to all current Military members, Veterans, Retirees, and their families. No need to register, your Military ID is your ticket in.
If you are a family member but don’t have a Military ID, e-mail the Blue Star Mothers at nhbluestarmom@yahoo.com. Put the words APPLE HILL on the subject line.
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. Look for the Apple Hill Farm sign on your right (see above).

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

Thursday, August 4, 2016

2016 HAPPY BIRTHDAY ~ THE COAST GUARD TURNS 226


The Coast Guard Turns 221 The Coast Guard celebrates its 226th birthday in August this year. The Coast Guard is one of America's five armed forces and traces its founding to Aug. 4, 1790, when the first Congress authorized the construction of 10 vessels to enforce tariff and trade laws, prevent smuggling, and protect the collection of federal revenue. Responsibilities added over the years included humanitarian duties such as aiding mariners in distress.
The service received its present name in 1915 when the Revenue Cutter Service merged with the U.S. Life-Saving Service to form a single maritime service dedicated to the safety of life at sea and enforcing the nation's maritime laws.
The Coast Guard is a multi-mission, maritime, military service and the smallest of the five Armed Services. Its mission is to protect the public, the environment and U.S. economic interests in the nation's waterways, along the coast, on international waters, or in any maritime region as required to support national security.


Sunday, July 10, 2016

Seacoast Salutes The Troops

Seacoast Salutes

7/24/2016 11:00 am - 7/24/2016 4:00 pm

1 Redhook Way Pease International Tradeport
Portsmouth, NH 03801

Free for actively serving, $10 for veterans, $15 general admission
Service Credit Union and Redhook Brewery will host Seacoast Salutes, a one day event to honor the sacrifices of our active duty military personnel and their families.  As a fundraiser for the Chaplains Emergency Relief Fund 100% of donations raised at this year's event will help military personnel and families in crisis.  Admission gets you 1 free beer, unlimited food, and we’ll have music and games going all day. Website: www.seacoastsalute.com



Seacoast Salutes The Troops

Seacoast Salutes

7/24/2016 11:00 am - 7/24/2016 4:00 pm

1 Redhook Way Pease International Tradeport
Portsmouth, NH 03801

Free for actively serving, $10 for veterans, $15 general admission
Service Credit Union and Redhook Brewery will host Seacoast Salutes, a one day event to honor the sacrifices of our active duty military personnel and their families.  As a fundraiser for the Chaplains Emergency Relief Fund 100% of donations raised at this year's event will help military personnel and families in crisis.  Admission gets you 1 free beer, unlimited food, and we’ll have music and games going all day. Website: www.seacoastsalute.com



Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Happy 241st Birthday Army

Two hundred forty-one years ago, our nation's leaders established the Continental Army. Today, the Army is the strategic landpower of the joint force; called upon to prevent, shape, and win against our adversaries.
The U.S. Army's 241st Birthday is June 14, 2016, a day we celebrate the Total Army Force comprised of multi-component Soldiers and Department of the Army Civilians and their contributions to national defense. The American Soldier trains, deploys, engages, and destroys enemies of the United States in combat operations as the world's premier land force.
The American Soldier -- Always Ready, Always Leading
Today, as in years past, Soldiers serve as the cornerstone of the Army Profession. As Army Professionals, we are grateful for the opportunity to maintain the trust and confidence of the American people while adding to our legacy of 241 years strong.




Friday, May 27, 2016

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.


Wednesday, May 18, 2016

SPECIAL PRAYERS -- 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 21, 2016, 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.


Wednesday, May 11, 2016

New Hampshire Blue Star Mother's Day

New Hampshire Blue Star Mother’s Day. (May 15, 2016)
This Sunday, May 15th, the governor shall issue a proclamation calling for a proper observance of the first Sunday after Mother’s Day which shall be known as New Hampshire 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.
Since WWI mothers have hung "Blue Star Flags" in their windows while their children served in the armed forces especially during conflicts or wars. To be a Blue Mother or Father is an Honor only your child can give to you. The Blue Star stands for hope and pride.
Becoming a military parent continues the life long journey ... of hope and pride. As when your child was born, you were filled with that hope and pride as well as excitement, anxiety, fear and great joy. As you step into the walk of being a military parent that journey continues and once again life changes. You find yourself noticing even more the patriotic symbols all around you, flying your United States flag with a different kind of pride. Thus "Supporting Our Troops" in a way you have probably never before.
Life changes, as your child will hold him or herself to a higher standard, you too will find it changes your life. Forever supporting your child in a different way with even more hope and pride for serving our country to keep our land free.
May you and your child be blessed while this journey of life unfolds! Remember: "To be a Blue Star Mother or Father is an Honor only your child can give to you!"

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Military Mothers ~ A Mother's Day Tribute

No one understands quite as much as another mother what it is like to have a child leave for a combat zone. No one knows what it is like to have a veteran return -- not quite the same. No one else hears the ring of the phone in quite the same way.

This Sunday, moms across the country will be treated to breakfast in bed, homemade cards, bouquets of flowers and fancy dinners in restaurants. But for those who have sons and daughters fighting wars overseas, Mother’s Day won’t be all roses.

The term "Military Mothers" describes two distinct groups of women. On the one hand, it describes mothers whose sons and daughters are members of the military. On the other, it describes mothers who are themselves members of the military.

Though many military mothers have grown used to their children’s absences on Mother’s Day and other special occasions, it doesn’t make those times any easier especially for moms whose sons and daughters are in the line of fire in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Mothers whose children are in the military and deployed to military bases around the world or serving in a war zone far from home, live with daily fear and worry for the lives of those to whom they gave birth, and nurtured into the fine young men and women they are. They worry that those children may return home with missing limbs or with PTSD, and may not be the same person who deployed, or that they may return in a flag-draped casket.

And mothers, who must leave their children behind to go to a war zone far from home, live with daily fear for their own lives because they worry about the possibility that their children may have to grow up without a mother. And they worry about the impact their absence will have on little psyches, and whether that impact will be lasting.

We assure you, both groups are heroes.

And we'd like to wish them, and all the other mothers out there, a Happy Mother's Day!




Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Operation Care for Troops Spring Event

Operation Care for Troops will be holding its “Memorial Day” shipping event May 19, 20 and 21st.  If you would like to volunteer please sign up at volunteer@octnh.org.
This event’s theme is “Remembering those serving” by sending a reminder of “home” to them!
Please include the names of each person attending the event and the date or dates that they will be attending.
Hope to see you there!
The Operation Care for Troops Team

Operation Care for Troops

If you would like to add your service members name to our list please follow the guidelines below:

Beginning the shipping paperwork - If you, your unit, a family member, or friend is deployed, Please send your APO/FPO address to us with the number of troops in the unit.

Please don't post public but message FB or e-mail Ted Luszey, President, ted@octnh.org

Operation Care for Troops

Friday, April 8, 2016

Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day ceremony

Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day ceremony
Date: April 9, 2016
Time: 10:00AM - 11:00AM
Location: 
New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Dept of NH, the NH Chapter of the American Ex-Prisoners of War, and the NH VFW Ladies-Auxiliary cordially invite you and your family and friends to the annual Former Prisons of War Recognition Day ceremony.

Monday, April 4, 2016

Honoring Our New Hampshire Gold Star Mothers


New Hampshire observes Gold Star Mother’s Day on the Sunday following Easter each year. These women inspire others through their poise, gallantry and resilience to honor their son or daughter’s legacy.

For nearly a century, the Gold Star tradition has reminded Americans of the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives for their country. The tradition dates back to World War I when military families would hang a blue star in the windows of their homes to signify an active duty service member. That blue star was replaced with a gold star when a service member was killed in the line of duty.

This allowed members of the community to know the price that the family had paid in the cause of freedom. From this simple act of unity, the Gold Star Mothers, a network of mothers who have lost a son or daughter in combat, was formed.

The title of Gold Star Mother is a badge no woman wants. However, these women have stepped forward past the restraint of loss to band together for support and guidance. This group compiles matriarchs from generations of women who have survived their children during our nation’s historic conflicts. Their unifying loss bonds them when the rest of the world is numb to the aftermath of their children’s ultimate sacrifice.

Our Gold Star Mothers extend a hand to one another as an act of unifying and healing. If your or someone you know is a Gold Star Mother you can contact the State President, Denise Gionet ~  nhgoldstarmothers@gmail.com for more information.


                                        NH Gold Star Mother Memorial ~ Manchester, NH