Gold Star Mothers and families join for ceremony at Fort Stewart

“In West Virginia the national guard has taken on the responsibility of creating opportunities to bring Gold Star families to help them spend time together, relax, and remember their loved ones”, Hoyer said. The tradition of honoring the mothers of fallen armed forces began in 1936.

There was a silent prayer and gun salute, in addition to mothers who spoke about losing their son or daughter in war.

And while Gold Star Mothers are being honored, there’s a hope that with an upcoming statue, more recognition of these women will spread.

Kowall lost her son, Army Specialist Corey Kowall on September 20, 2009.

“It’s really a good program because you know if you’re not with someone that’s went through what you’re going though, you’re all alone”, said West Virginia Gold Star Grandmother Emma Johnson. While most Americans may never fully comprehend the price paid by those who gave their last full measure of devotion, families of the fallen know it intimately and without end.

Olson is also president of the Wisconsin Gold Star Mothers organization.

The ceremony was held at Putnam Veterans Memorial Park at the site where the Traveling Vietnam Veterans Wall was on display this past week.

Smith is both a Blue Star Mother and a Gold Star Daughter.

“Mrs. Olson, I’m sorry to tell you your Marine Sergeant son, Andy Stevens, was killed in Iraq”, she tearfully recalled before a crowd gathered for the memorial service. Her husband died 22 years ago from his battle wounds he suffered from WWII and Korea.

“Even though he died at the age of 20, I was grateful that I got to watch him live his dream”, said Kowall. “And our love will never fade no matter what till the day we are in heaven and joined with them”, said Mary Ellen Harlan.

Thursday, President Barack Obama signed a Presidential Proclamation declaring Sunday Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day.