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Monday, December 3, 2018

Wreaths for Boscawen


We want to share with you a great event that is happening in New Hampshire on December 15, 2018



We will be laying 2,100 wreaths at the NH Veterans Cemetery, on December 15, 2018 ~ Starting at 10:30 am.  We laying the wreaths a bit differently then in years past...hopefully your questions can be answered on our FAQ page.


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" Ring/22" Face Balsam Wreath with a four loop red bow. Our wreaths are purchased locally and delivered to the NH Veterans Cemetery on December 17th. Download the 2018 Donation Form where you can make your donation in Honor of or in Memory of someone that will be entered on our Tribute page or you make your donation thru our PayPal account.

Join us for the Wreaths for Boscawen on December 15th.

 To learn more visit: Blue Star Mothers of NH ~ Wreaths for Boscawen
 .

The Heroes Christmas Tree

The Blue Star Mothers of NH are once again hosting Heroes Christmas Trees around the state. What started as one tree here in Laconia in 2006.

Stars of gold, black, and blue adorn the trees bearing the names of United States service members past and present.  Blank stars are available for those who would like to add the name of someone currently serving or a past veteran to the tree.

May God bless our sons and daughters this holiday season, those who are now serving and our veterans, our Blue Stars; they stand for hope and pride.

May God bless those we will hold forever in our hearts, our Gold Stars, for their sacrifice to the cause of liberty and freedom.

May God bless those for whom we are still waiting for their return.

Black Stars; they represent our POW/MIA’s.  6 Vietnam POW’s

Gold Stars: Our fallen

Blue Stars: Currently serving or Veterans


Blue Star Mothers of nhbluestarmothersofnh@yahoo.com



Tuesday, November 6, 2018

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!!!

Blue Star Mothers of New Hampshire


Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Blue Star Memorial Marker Dedication

The New Hampshire Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. Invites you to the Unveiling and Dedication of their BLUE STAR MEMORIAL MARKER...
…a tribute to the Armed Forces who have defended the United States of America
New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery
110 Daniel Webster Highway
Boscawen, NH
(Memorial Walkway)
When: Sunday, October 21, 2018
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Please RSVP by October 14 to Susan Miner ~ 603-303-6385
fmotion@aol.com
Susan Miner
NHFGC Blue Star Chair
603-303-6385
Blue Star Memorial Project - Susan Miner
NHFGC is kicking off a project to install a Blue Star Memorial Marker at the NH Veterans Cemetery located in Boscawen, NH. What is a Blue Star Memorial you may ask? National Garden Clubs, Inc., began this program in 1945 to honor the men and women serving in the Armed Forces during World War II. The name "Blue Star Memorial Marker" was chosen for the star on flags displayed in homes and businesses denoting a family member serving in those times. Now we erect these markers along highways, National Cemeteries, Veterans Cemeteries, Veterans Medical Centers and other civic locations to honor all our members of the Armed Forces of the United States, those who have served; those who are presently serving; and those who will serve in the future, to ensure that all our Armed Forces are never forgotten. You may have seen the Blue Star Memorial Highway markers as you have driven throughout our nation.
NHFGC will be accepting donations from our member clubs, individual club members and veterans groups throughout the state to raise the funds for this project.
Many of our club members and/or their loved ones are veterans and have ties to this cemetery. Any donation checks should be made payable to NHFGC with Blue Star Memorial Fund noted in the memo portion.
Thank you for helping us honor our country’s veterans. You can access additional information about Blue Star Markers by going to the NGC website, www.gardenclub.org .
The photo is of a Blue Star Memorial Marker that is erected in Georgia. The overall height, when erected, is 7'6". The marker size is approximately 41" high by 45" wide (inside plate is 30"x 42"). It is cast aluminum, identical on both sides. The lettering is raised relief; the emblem is modeled relief with a prismatic star. Caption lines are 2x2". "NH Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc." will be inscribed on this memorial plaque as its sponsor.


Friday, August 31, 2018

Honor and Remember Flag Presentation for Deborah Crosby

"As an American asked to serve, I was prepared to fight, 
to be wounded,to be captured and even prepared to die, 
but I was not prepared to be abandoned."
Former POW Eugene "Red" McDaniel - 1967-1973
Please join the Northeast POW/MIA Network and New Hampshire Honor and Remember on Thursday, September 20, 2018 ~ @ 6:30pm PM. at Hesky Park, Meredith, New Hampshire for the presentation of the Honor and Remember Flag to Deborah Crosby, daughter of Lt.Cmdr. Frederick P. Crosby. 
Deborah Crosby, whose father Lt. Cmdr. Frederick P. Crosby, shot down as a Navy pilot in the Vietnam War, it was June 1965. Deborah Crosby, was only six when she was sent home from the first grade to learn her father was presumed dead, though his body had not been found. Lt. Cmdr. Frederick P. Crosby’s remains were returned to his family last year.​
The weekly vigil will follow the flag presentation at 7:00 pm. All are invited to join us. 
Over the years people from the area, state and country have gathered in support of those POW's who have returned, their family, as well as those who did not and those MIA's and the abundance of evidence that shows were left behind. The theme, "When one American life is not worth the effort, we as Americans have lost" is still a fact and today with American soldiers, men and women, serving in harm's way, is even more important. We as American must stay vigilant on their behalf in support of their families.
Faith, Trust, Truth, Responsibility and Accountability…Facts outweigh Opinions..The Vigil Continues.
Bob Jones - 677-7045
Meredith
Northeast POW/MIA Network


Thursday, August 16, 2018

Seacoast Salutes

  • HONORING THOSE WHO SERVE



  • To our Seacoast Community, Join us for a day of celebrating with veterans and families at Redhook brewery .  Plan for a day packed with plenty of great food and entertainment, live bands, rides, magic show, wildlife show, games and other adventures. Activities for all the family. We look forward to having you with us.

  • When: Sunday, September 30

  • Time: 11 AM - 4 PM

Where: Cisco Brewers Portsmouth
35 Corporate Dr.,
Pease International Tradeport
Portsmouth, NH 03801

Cost: Active Duty Military members, veterans and their families are free.
General Admission: $8.00 and Family Pass: $20.00


On Sunday September 30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Service Credit Union will host Seacoast Salutes, a one day event to honor the sacrifices of our active duty military personnel and their families.
Hosted by Greg Kretschmar from New Hampshire’s most popular morning show WHEB’s Greg & The Morning Buzz, the event will be held at Cisco Brewers in Portsmouth, NH and include live musical performances, bouncy houses, a climbing wall, a mechanical bull, face painting and more. Once inside, enjoy free food from many seacoast favorites such as Chill Catering, and Shaker Pond ice cream. The first 1000 guests through the gate receive a free t-shirt.
Major sponsors inlcude Cisco Brewers, Long Term Care Partners and Sig Sauer.



Military Appreciation Day at Apple Hill Farm


Enjoy apple picking, face painting, pumpkin painting, apple crisp, and more, FREE to all current Service Members, Veterans, Retirees, and their families. No need to register, just present your Military ID it’s your ticket in. Are you a family member who doesn’t have a military ID? No problem, just e- mail the Blue Star Mothers at nhbluestarmom@yahoo.com. Put the words APPLE HILL on the subject line. Include the name and branch of service of your Service Member in the body of the e-mail.
WHAT: Military Appreciation Day
WHO: All Service Members, Veterans, Retirees and their families;
WHEN: Sunday, September 23, 2018, from
11AM to 4PM - RAIN or SHINE!
WHERE: Apple Hill Farm, Concord, NH
COST: None, it’s FREE!
Apple Hill Farm is located at 580 Mountain Road, Concord, NH 03301. From the south, take Exit 17 off Route 93, left at the top of the ramp, then left at the blinking yellow light; from the north take exit 17E off Route 93, bear right, then left at the blinking yellow light. 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.
“The DoD and the NHNG does not (expressly or by implication) endorse any Non-Federal Entities (NFE), NFE events, or the sponsors of those events, that are referenced in this email, its attachments, or any associated event websites.”


100 Nights of Remembrance Closing Ceremony

Since 2005 to the present, members of 100 Nights of Remembrance sound taps at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH and The Mount Calvary Cemetery in Manchester, NH every evening rain or shine at 7:00 PM from Memorial Day through September 11th. After the 100 consecutive nights closing ceremonies, taps is then sounded once a week on Sunday afternoons at 1:00 PM Rain, shine or even snow until the opening ceremony each Memorial Day.  100 Nights of Remembrance is dedicated to honoring and paying the highest respect to those who have served in our Armed Forces and all our fallen heroes. The public is welcome to attend these solemn ceremonies.  “So We May Never Forget”    
    If you have any additional questions or would like to sponsor 100 Nights of Remembrance, please email noeltylr@gmail.com   
 

2018 Closing Ceremony  - Sunday, September 9 th
 

 2018 Closing Ceremony Information

 Sunday September 9th

 
Summary:  The 100 Nights of Remembrance proudly invites all our friends to join us as celebrate our 13th Anniversary of soundings Taps at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery. We also invite all New Hampshire Military Units, (NHNG, US Marines, US Coast Guard.  All Catholic War Veterans, American Legion, VFW and others..  We also have invited Fire Depts. and Police Depts. And their Honor Guards from across the State. 
Who:  Any Cadet, Scout Troop, horn player, Fire or Police Department Honor Guard or Military Honor Guard.    
Date:  Sunday, September 9, 2018   
Place:  New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery     
            110 Daniel Webster Hwy, Boscawen, NH 03303      
Tentative Schedule:  
Time: 3:30 - 4:30:  All Brass Players report in at the Maintenance Building   
4:30 - 5:30:  Brass Players warm-up and run through  
4:30 - 5:00:   All Honor Guard Units send on representative and report in at the Maintenance Building  
5:30:  Line up - All units report to the staging area at Section III   
6:00: Ceremony Starts        
 For anyone interested or for any questions, please email Noel Taylor, director of 100 Nights of Remembrance at noeltylr@gmail.com  

http://www.100nightsofremembrance.org/

 


Tuesday, May 15, 2018

NH Blue Star Mother's Day

Happy New Hampshire Blue Star Mother's Day (First Sunday after Mother's Day)

In honor of our New Hampshire Blue Star Mothers, this day is dedicated to you.... Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
Many people still ask what are the Blue Star Mothers of New Hampshire? Blue Star Mothers of New Hampshire is an organization dedicated to supporting the mothers of service members. We support each other and educate people on how to support families affected by military service.
I say Thank You to these moms, who raised their babies into adults, are now telling their daughters and sons to be safe. Blue Star mothers sit and wait for phone calls. These moms worry, pray, watch the news and send care packages. These moms hope their children come home, too.
I want to wish our Blue Star moms a Happy Blue Star Mother's Day. Believe it or not, your service and sacrifice do not go unnoticed. Thank you for being unselfish and for supporting the decisions your child has made. It could not have been easy for you to watch a daughter or son join the military. This grateful nation appreciates you.
I hope more and more people realize the effect the military has on a family. It is not just a spouse and children who are affected. It is an entire family. Parents, in-laws, brothers, sisters, cousins, all members of the family feel the vacancy a service member leaves when they are gone.
For our Blue Star moms, you are my hero. It is also my hope that you never forget that you are so important. It is because of your love, support and encouragement that our nation sleeps well.
To you all New Hampshire thanks you with this special day:
The governor shall annually issue a proclamation calling for a proper observance of the first Sunday after Mother’s Day which shall be known 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 shall urge the citizens of this state to observe this day with appropriate events.

Friday, May 11, 2018

Military Mothers ~ A Mother's Day Tribute

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, Afghanistan or she may not even know where they are.

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!

Blue Star Mothers of NH


Sunday, April 8, 2018

National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day - April 9

National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day - April 9

NATIONAL FORMER PRISONER OF WAR RECOGNITION DAY

National Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day on April 9 honors the courageous men and women who have endured brutal treatment at the hands of their captors, separation from family and displayed incredible endurance and faith during their captivity.
On this day in 1942, the largest number of U.S. Forces were captured by Japanese troops in the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines. After battling through extreme conditions and prolonged battles, the captured troops were forced to march 65 miles to the prison camp. Without medical attention, food or water thousands died. The mistreatment continued for those who survived the brutal journey. In the compounds, deep in the unfamiliar jungle, the hardships, brutality, and suffering lasted more than two years for those who could survive.
Many POWs endure conditions much like this. These heroes deserve a day of recognition. An annual presidential proclamation is signed for National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day and government officials, veterans, civic and private organizations observe the day with ceremonies and events. Some states require the POW/MIA flag to be flown in this day.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Honor former POWs by helping to organize events.  Ensure your organization flies the POW/MIA flag.  Use #FormerPOWRecognitionDay to share on social media.
HISTORY
President Ronald Reagan first proclaimed National Prisoner of War Recognition Day in 1987.