Monthly EVENTS

January

Happy New Year

February

National Blue Star Mothers Day

Whereas Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., was founded as a patriotic service organization on February 2, 1942, with the purpose of uniting mothers with sons or daughters in the United States Armed Forces;

• Whereas, on February 1, 1942, 300 mothers of members of the Armed Forces held their first meeting in Michigan, and February 1, 2020, is the 78th anniversary of that meeting;

• Whereas, on February 6, 1942, the organization was discussed in the Congressional Record, and chapters then formed in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, California, Iowa, and Washington;

• Whereas, on July 14, 1960, the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., received its charter from Congress (Public Law 86–653);

• Whereas Blue Star Mothers make enormous sacrifices while their sons and daughters are providing for the defense of the United States;

• Whereas Blue Star Mothers pack and ship thousands of care packages every year to members of the Armed Forces deployed overseas, volunteer to help homeless veterans, provide support for wounded warriors, visit with hospitalized veterans, honor fallen heroes during funeral services, and offer a compassionate community for the mothers of men and women of the Armed Forces serving in harm’s way;

• Whereas Blue Star Mothers promote the values of the United States, demonstrate a patriotic spirit, and advance a national sense of pride and appreciation for the men and women of the Armed Forces;

• Whereas there are 198 active chapters of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., throughout the United States, representing thousands of military families; and

• Whereas February 1, 2020, would be an appropriate day to designate as “Blue Star Mother’s Day”: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

(1) supports the designation of “Blue Star Mother’s Day”, which honors and recognizes—

(A) the contributions of the members of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.; and

(B) the important role Blue Star Mothers play in supporting each other and members and veterans of the Armed Forces; and

(2) encourages the people of the United States—

(A) to observe “Blue Star Mother’s Day”; and

(B) to support the work of local chapters of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc

Four Chaplains Day

The Four Chaplains, also referred to as the “Immortal Chaplains” or the “Dorchester Chaplains,” were four United States Army chaplains who gave their lives to save other civilian and military personnel as the troop ship U.S. Army Transport (USAT) Dorchester sank on Feb. 3, 1943, during World War II. They helped other soldiers board lifeboats and gave up their own life jackets when the supply ran out. The chaplains joined arms, said prayers, and sang hymns as they went down with the ship.

Happy Birthday Coast Guard Reserve

February 19 is the official birthday of the United States Coast Guard Reserve. Officially set-up in the late 1930s as a “civilian reserve” operation, it was non-military in nature. The Coast Guard Reserve Act of 1939 was the earliest incarnation. The Reserve soon evolved into something much greater than the original authors of the law had envisioned. The “regular” Coast Guard was formed in 1790. It wasn’t until much later that Auxiliary and Reserve operations would be added to this branch of military service. But when the need arose, there were thousands of people ready to answer the call.

March

Happy Birthday Navy Reserve

March 3

Formed in 1915 in response to the outbreak of World War I, the Navy Reserve made up almost 84 percent of the Navy's fighting force during the war. Among its ranks were five future U.S. Presidents and 15 recipients of the Medal of Honor. The Navy Reserve has since had reservists serve in every major war in which the United States has fought.

Happy Birthday Seabees

We build, we fight.” That is the motto of Navy Seabees everywhere, and in the spring of each year the Navy celebrates the heritage of this unique fighting force that has served in every major conflict America has been involved with since World War Two.

March 5th is the official Navy Seabee birthday. That birthday is, believe it or not, a complicated thing. An innovation of military minds during World War Two, Navy Seabees have a dual mission to build and to fight in support of combat operations, humanitarian outreach, and nation-building.

K-9 Veterans Day

Annually on March 13

The date is the official birthday of the United States K9 Corps and a day to honor their service.

Vietnam Veterans Day

Annually on March 29

A national holiday to recognize and honor Veterans who served in the military during the Vietnam War.

April

NATIONAL FORMER PRISONER OF WAR RECOGNITION DAY

April 9th

National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day on April 9th honors the courageous men and women who have endured brutal treatment at the hands of their captors. As a result, they’ve also suffered 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.

Since the Revolutionary War, over half a million service members have been captured. This number does not reflect those lost or never recovered. However, each POW endures conditions much like the ones described above. These heroes deserve a day of recognition.

NEW HAMPSHIRE GOLD STAR MOTHER’S DAY

1ST SUNDAY AFTER EASTER

New Hampshire has a dedicated Gold Star Mothers Day ~the first Sunday after Easter ~ NH RSA 4:13-h Gold Star Mother's Day

Gold Star Mother’s Day is observed on the last Sunday in September. Gold Star Mother’s Day is intended to recognize and honor those mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the service of the U.S. Armed Forces. Each year there are events and meetings to publicly express love, sorrow and reverence toward Gold Star Mothers and their families. Flags are also mandated to be displayed on government buildings on this day.  Army.mil says Gold Star Mother’s Day is intended “to recognize and honor those who have lost a son or daughter in the service of the U.S. Armed Forces”.

The holiday is celebrated by American Gold Star Mothers, a Veterans service organization of mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the service of our country.

Learn more about the Gold Star Mothers

May

New Hampshire Blue Star Mothers Day

First Sunday following 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? It 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 and 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 heroes. 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."

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

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 military mothers who are serving and those mothers 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!

June

US Army Birthday

Annually on June 14

The U.S. Army was founded on 14 June 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized enlistment of expert riflemen to serve the United Colonies for one year.

Flag Day

Annually on June 14

On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress approved the design of a national flag.

Since 1916, when President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation establishing a national Flag Day on June 14, Americans have commemorated the adoption of the Stars and Stripes in many ways–displaying the flag in the front of their homes, parades, and other patriotic observances. Prior to 1916, many localities and a few states had been celebrating the day for years. Congressional legislation designating that date as the national Flag Day was signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1949; the legislation also called upon the president to issue a flag day proclamation every year.

Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday

Annually on June 23

In the last eight decades, Auxiliarists have grown to become a vital component of the U.S. Coast Guard, and today the USCG Aux boasts 26,000 serving out nation in 825 local units with 1,800 vessels and 160 aircraft in between them.

July

Korean War Veterans Armistice Day

Annually on July 27

National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day falls on July 27 each year. This observance recognizes the 5.7 million veterans of the Korean War and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Army Chaplain Corps Anniversary

Annually on July 29

The United States Army Chaplain Corps is a unique part of American military tradition. Said to be among the smallest (if not THE smallest) unit in the U.S. Army, the Chaplain Corps predates Independence Day and since this unit began, chaplains have served in every American conflict.

August

Happy Birthday Coast Guard

Annually on August 4

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.

Purple Heart Day

Annually on August 7

A time for Americans to pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice.

National Airborne Day

Annually on August 16

National Airborne Day, observed on August 16th each year, celebrates the accomplishments of Army parachute tradition. The Army’s Airborne Rangers and the Army Golden Knights parachute team are among the best-known American paratrooper organizations, and the accomplishments of Army paratroopers are noted across more than seven decades of service include the Iraq war in 2003.

Happy Birthday Marine Forces Reserve

Annually on August 29

The Marine Forces Reserve (also known as the United States Marine Corps Reserve or the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve) was created in 1916, in conjunction with the creation of the Navy Reserve. Since then, the evolution of this force would expand from just thirty-five to today’s roughly 40 thousand Marine Corps Reservists.

September

Happy Birthday Air Force

Annually on September 18th

Happy Birthday Air National Guard

Annually on September 18

Although the Air National Guard was not established as a separate reserve component of the U.S. Air Force until 18 September 1947, National Guard aviators have played significant roles in all of America's wars and most of its major contingencies since the First World War era. They have also aided their states in coping with natural disasters and civil unrest since the mid 1920s.

Patriot Day

Annually on September 11

An annual observance to remember and honor those who were injured or killed during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

National Gold Star Mothers

Gold Star Mother’s Day is observed in the United States on the last Sunday of September each year. It is a day for people to recognize and honor those who have lost a son or daughter while serving the United States Armed Forces

Gold Star Families Remembrance Week

The Senate has approved a resolution designating Sept. 20-26, 2021, as “Gold Star Families Remembrance Week” to honor the families of fallen service members.

Gold Star Families Remembrance Week precedes Gold Star Mother’s Day, which is observed on the last Sunday of September.

POW/MIA Recognition Day

Annually on the 3rd Sunday in September

You Are Not Forgotten – that's the central phrase behind the POW/MIA remembrance movement which honors America's prisoners of war, those who are still missing in action and their families.

Many of our service members suffered as prisoners of war during several decades of varying conflicts. While some of them made it home, tens of thousands more never did.

POW/MIA Recognition Day is commemorated on the third Friday of every September, a date that's not associated with any particular war. In 1979, Congress and the president passed resolutions making it official after the families of the more than 2,500 Vietnam War POW/MIAs pushed for full accountability.

October

Happy Birthday Navy

Annually on October 13

October 13 marks the birthday of the U.S. Navy, which traces its roots back to the early days of the American Revolution. On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress established a naval force, hoping that a small fleet of privateers could attack British commerce and offset British sea power.

Bombing in Beirut Lebanon 1983

Annually on October 23

October 23, 1983 – 241 US service personnel — including 220 Marines and 21 other service personnel — are killed by a truck bomb at a Marine compound in Beirut, Lebanon. Three hundred service members had been living at the four-story building at the airport in Beirut. There were 1,800 Marines stationed in Beirut at the time.

November

Happy Birthday Marines

Annually on November 10

The U.S. Marine Corps Birthday celebrates the history, memory of those who served before and rekindles the bond that unites all generations of Marines. It is a celebration of the profound respect for the Marine Corps traditions and reverence of the heritage that distinguishes the Corps of Marines.

Veterans Day

Annually on November 11

This is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice treaty, which ended World War I and is also a day to thank military Veterans for their service.

December

Happy Birthday National Guard

Annually on December 13

The military organization we know today as the National Guard came into existence with a direct declaration on December 13, 1636. On this date, the Massachusetts General Court in Salem, for the first time in the history of the North American continent, established that all able-bodied men between the ages of 16 and 60 were required to join the militia. The North, South, and East Regiments were established with this order. The decree excluded ministers and judges. Simply stated, citizen-soldiers who mustered for military training could be and would be called upon to fight when needed.

Blue Star Mothers Meetings Update

Your child is in the Military, Now what do you do?
You are invited to join our meetings and events

When: Third Wednesday of the Month 

Where: Manchester Armory
1059 Canal Street
Manchester, NH 03101

Time: 6:00pm 
*At times we will hold our meetings with Google Meets. The link will be posted on our Facebook Group page. Should you want to join in the meeting please contact Kathy Jerome below for the link.

For further information contact: 
Kathy Jerome: mskiwikt@hotmail.com

Visit our monthly calendar for all events