HISTORY
BLUE STAR MOTHERS OF AMERICA, INC
US Army Captain, George H. Maines, understanding what his mother had faced while he was serving his country, had the Flint News Advertiser place a coupon in their paper to see if there would be an interest in forming a military mothers support group. On January 22, 1942 the coupon was printed and on the following February 1st, 300 mothers gathered at the Durant Hotel in Flint Michigan with Captain Maines chairing the meeting. With 1000 responses having come from the 'coupon ad', it was decided to form a permanent organization.
On February 6th the organization was reported on Congressional record and Chapters began to form in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, California, Iowa and Washington. On July 14, 1960 the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. was chartered by the US Congress as a Veterans Service Organization.
Mothers had volunteered throughout the tough times of World War II, serving in hospitals and train stations, packing care packages for soldiers, and working as part of homeland security. The organization has waned now and then in size over the years, but has always been held together by mothers who had great pride in both their children and their country.
Most recently the organization has had tremendous growth. With our country being attacked on our own soil, mothers have once again started hanging flags in their windows, proclaiming the pride they have in their children who are protecting our freedom during a time of war.
The Blue Star Mothers of America provides support for active duty service personnel, our military, our veterans, their families, and the families of the fallen; promotes patriotism and Americanism; assists the VA and Veterans organizations; and are available to assist in homeland volunteer efforts to help our country remain strong
Chapter Photo - 1945 WWII Membership Roll,
Gerritson Beach, NY.
Early Chapters
