Page 82 - May-June-July_Life_In_Naples_Magazine

The majesty of a
MOTHER’S

by Lois Bolin love
Old Naples Historian

“No language can express the power, and beauty, and
heroism, and majesty of a mother’s love,” which is why every
second Sunday in May, Americans take this day to appreciate
Mothers. This May, I’d like to recognize a special group of
Mothers – Silver, Blue and Gold Star Mothers.

GOLD STAR

During World War I, American women wore
a blue star around their left arm if their child was
in active duty. Sadly, as the war progressed so did
the number of those who gave their all and these
Mothers wanted to express their loss, as well as the pride and
honor they felt for their country. The Women’s Committee of
the Council of National Defense suggested sewing a gold star
over the blue star. When the idea was presented to President
Woodrow Wilson, the practice was adopted in 1918.
On June 4, 1928, twenty-five mothers in Washington
D. C. formed a non-profit organization designated as the
American Gold Star Mothers. Each state began to organize a LOIS BOLIN, POLLY CREWS AND JULIE CAMPBELL
chapter, which delivered lessons of patriotism, and perpetuated
the memories of loved ones. BLUE STAR
Each year since 1936, on the last Sunday in September,
On January 22, 1942, mothers of active serviceman were asked
Gold Star Mother's Day has been observed by presidential
to return a coupon from a Flint News advertiser. Twelve days later,
proclamation.
300 coupon-holding mothers met in the Durant Hotel, in Flint,
Michigan. After receiving over 1000 responses from the ad on
February 6th, the organization was reported on the Congressional
record. Chapters soon formed in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, New
York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, California, Iowa and Washington. In
June of 1960 Blue Star Mothers of America Inc. was chartered by
Congress.

SILVER STAR

Silver Star Families, founded in 2005, recognizes, remembers and
assists the wounded of our Armed Forces.

LANGUAGE OF LOVE

Six years ago, I became acquainted with these groups at a Naples
Spirit of ‘45 event, the Greatest Generation and Beyond Breakfast.
Polly Crews, (aka Miss Polly), the oldest living Gold Star Mother in
BETH HAELY, POLLY CREWS AND JOANNE MAITLAND

82 Life in Naples | May • June • July 2017