The American Gold Star Mothers organization voted unanimously to amend their constitution to allow non-American mothers to receive gold stars for their U.S. military children who die in America’s wars.
This was in response to a request from a Filipino mom whose U.S. Army son died in combat in Afghanistan and had expressed an interest in joining the organization. But she couldn’t, due to the 1929 charter allowing only U.S. citizens to join. The 12-member executive board voted against changing the rule, and a campaign was started both within and outside the organization to change the group’s constitution.
The organization responded and voted yesterday to change the constitution. This is an excellent move by the American Moms organization and they deserve praise for adapting to meet the needs of others.
They have recognized that the face of the U.S. military has changed quite a bit since 1929. Some 140 members of the U.S. military who were NOT U.S. citizens have given up their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq or elsewhere during the war on terror.
Congratulations and thank you American Gold Star Mothers, not only for your changing this rule to honor others, but for your tremendous sacrifices in America’s various wars. You will never be forgotten.
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