Page 18 - IAV Digital Magazine #530

iAV - Antelope Valley Digital Magazine
GOLD STAR MOTHERS
Founded by Grace Darling Seibold in 1928, the Gold Star Mothers were originally united by the common loss of a son who served during World War I. Mrs. Seibold’s son volunteered during WWI for aviation duty. Since the United States didn’t have an air force at that time, he traveled to Canada where he learned to fly British planes, and eventually joined the British Royal Flying Corps. Lieutenant Seibold saw combat in France where he was killed. His mother Grace started the American Gold Star Mothers to assist other mothers who lost a child fighting in the war, and also to provide comfort to injured servicemen in hospitals.
So where does the name Gold Star Mothers originate? The term “Gold Star Mothers” actually predates the American Gold Star Mothers’ organization. It refers to the service flag families hung during World War I to demonstrate that they had a son in the service.
Though rooted in the losses of World War I, today the American Gold Star Mothers membership includes all mothers who have lost a son or daughter in military service, as well as those whose child is considered missing in action.
Since 1936, the last Sunday of September has been designated as Gold Star Mother’s Day as proclaimed by the
President of the United State
REMEMBER • RESPECT • HONOR
iAV - Antelope Valley Digital Magazine