Central Valley Blue Star Moms
Blue Star Mothers Of America
Chapter 10
Serving Fresno, Madera, and Tulare Counties
We are mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, foster mothers and female legal guardians who have children serving in the military, guard or reserves, or children who are veterans. We support each other and our children while promoting patriotism. Our organization focuses on our mission every single day and will never, ever, forsake our troops, our veterans or the families of our Fallen Heroes.
On January 22, 1942 the Flint News Advertiser printed a coupon asking mothers of serviceman to return the coupon after filling it out. The following February 1st, 300 mothers met in the Durant Hotel in Flint Michigan. Captain George H. Maines, who had conceived the idea for this group, acted as the chair of their first meeting. It was decided that after receiving 1000 responses from the ad to form a permanent organization.
On February 6,1942 the organization was reported in the Congressional Record. Chapters then formed in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, California, Iowa, and Washington. In June of 1960 Congress chartered this organization.
Mothers volunteered throughout the tough times of World War II. They worked in hospitals, train stations, packed care packages for soldiers, and were a working part of homeland security during our time of war. The organization waned in size over the years but has held together by mothers showing pride in both their children and country. In recent times we have grown in strength. Being attacked on our own soil has once again started mothers hanging flags in their windows at home proclaiming pride in the fact that we have children protecting our freedom during a time of war.
The Blue Star Mothers of America continues to provide support for active duty service personnel, promote patriotism, assist veteran’s organizations, and is available to assist in homeland volunteer efforts to help our country remain strong.
Only a mom knows what you are going through.
We are mentors, friends, and sisters that know your journey because we have traveled the same road.
Actions of a Blue Star Mother
As a Blue Star Mother, we meet monthly to discuss upcoming events and to share stories of our loved ones who are deployed serving our country. We participate in a variety of events within our local community and surrounding areas to spread the word on how to 'Remember our Troops'.
Blue Star Mothers are in parades, participate in veteran activities, raise flags at Memorial Day, run package drives, and raise money through local outreach.
The Service Flag
The Service flag is an official banner authorized by the Department of Defense for display by families who have members serving in the Armed Forces during any period of war or hostilities the United States may be engaged in.
In 1917, President Wilson approved a suggestion made by the Women's Committee of the Council of National Defenses that mothers who had lost a child serving in the war wear a gold gilt star on the traditional black mourning arm band. This led to the tradition of covering the blue star with a gold star on the Service flag to indicate that the service member has died.
Most flags were hand made by mothers across the nation. One of the most famous flags was that of the five Sullivan brothers who all perished on the U.S.S. Juneau.
In 1960 Congress chartered the Blue Star Mothers of America as a Veterans Service Organization and in 1966, the Department of Defense revised the specifications for design, manufacture and display of the Service flag.
The Service Flag is an indoor flag and should be flown facing out from the front window of the home or organization.
What We Do As A Blue Star Mother
'Remember the Troops'
Package Drive
Our biggest community outreach event where we collect donations to send packages to our local military men and women currently deployed serving our country. If you would love to donate items or assist in assembling the packages, please click the button below to learn more!
Honor Flight
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Local Parades
Local parades allows our Blue Star Moms to reach other military moms who are needing support and open our mission to the local community.
Wreaths Across America
Blue Star Moms spend a day laying wreaths, during the Christmas season, on the graves of our local veteran military members. If you are interested in taking part in Wreaths Across America, please contact us!
Community Outreach
Blue Star Moms community outreach brings us to many events throughout Fresno County. Attending military appreciation sports games, volunteering at a soup kitchen, attending military grad signing days, and participating in military related events.