Bush Declares Today Gold Star Mothers' Day - But It's Not About Sheehan

While anti-war protesters march on Washington DC this weekend, President Bush declared today as Gold Star Mothers' Day and instructed that the U.S. flag be flown over government buildings. But before you think he did this because of Cindy Sheehan's anti-war pressure or for the Gold Star Mothers group she co-founded, you better read on.

Presidents have acknowledged Gold Star Mothers long before Sheehan's group was started last year. See 1994 example here. Blue Star Mothers have the original 1936 proclamation here.

President Bush has made this declaration every year of his administration. This year's reads in part: "On Gold Star Mother's Day, we recognize and pray for the devoted and patriotic mothers of these men and women in uniform who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our liberty." Read it all here.

Actually, the official website of American Gold Star Mothers states as their motto: "Perpetrating the Noble Principles for Which They Fought and Died." And have on their homepage the following statement regarding Sheehan:

"Cindy Sheehan is currently in the news. She and her organization have no connection whatever with American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. We are a 501 C(3) organization and, as such, do not engage in political activities. We do support our troops. After all, they are our children."

Just for the record, in case anyone thinks it's because of Cindy Sheehan's efforts.

You may like to hear my interview with Blue Star Mom, Debbie Katsounakis (See 9/12/05)


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