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JAMESTOWN – After having to modify their event last year due to the global pandemic, the area Blue Star Mothers group is getting ready for their Gold Star Memorial Service.
Organizers of the event are working on finalizing logistics of this year’s service that is slated to take place at its traditional home, the Jamestown Veteran’s Park.
“This is the home of our memorial and this park holds so much meaning,” said Rowley. “Ron Cotton started us here, and his memory is here, it just wouldn’t be the same somewhere else.”
Susan Rowley, the President of Blue Star Mothers New York Chapter Four, explains the value of hosting her group’s Gold Star Memorial at the park is not just because of its excellent location, but also its symbolic significance.
In total 21 American Heroes, and their surviving families, will be honored at this year’s ceremony. A ceremony that Blue Star Mothers Vice-President Kathy Collver says means so much to Gold Star Families.
“We’re just really a step away from maybe one day being one of those families,” explained Collver. “We support them the best that we can, but we never try to pretend that we really fully understand their heartache.”
The Blue Star Mothers say the importance of hosting a Gold Star Memorial this year is greater than ever due to the lack of public memorials this spring.
“Just today I was reading some of the guidelines, and Governor Cuomo has opened it up to 500 people in outdoor events,” said Collver. “I think that it would be just an amazing way to commemorate Remembrance Day, Memorial Day, especially because there won’t be a parade this year.”
Several elected officials will join local veterans organizations at the event. However, the highlight will likely be this year’s keynote speaker Holly Baker, a Gold Star Mother and the past President of the New York State Gold Star Mothers group.
“The message she will have for all parents, all veterans and everyone that day is going to be phenomenal,” explained Rowley. “I hope people come out and just remember and honor.”
The entire community is invited to the service on Saturday, May 29 at 10 a.m. Those interested in attending are only asked to bring their own lawn chairs.
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