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Blue Star Mothers

World War I was often called The War to end all Wars. Had this proven true, Gold Star Mothers would have continued to grieve their loss, but there would have been no more Blue Star Mothers. Instead, World War I was followed by World War II.

Sixteen million American men and women served in the United States military in Europe, the Pacific, at home in support of the war, and other regions of the world. One month after the attack on Pearl Harbor, on January 22, 1942, Army Captain George H. Maines printed an article in a Flint, Michigan newspaper requesting information about children serving in the armed forces. On March 8, 1942 more than 600 mothers organized the BLUE STAR MOTHERS OF AMERICA, INC. Quickly, chapters formed around the Nation, and the blue star flags of World War I reappearing in the windows of American homes once again. It was not at all unusual for a window to display more than one flag (or a single flag with multiple stars), for a star was displayed for each son or daughter in service. Indeed the big house at 98 Adams Street in Waterloo, Iowa displayed FIVE Blue Star for the five sons of Tom and Alleta Sullivan who had joined the Navy together to serve on the USS Juneau.

The BLUE STAR FLAG again became a symbol of love, pride, hope and grave concern. It also became a symbol of what Americans at home could do to increase a mother's chance of seeing her son's safe return: rationing, working in factories building needed materials, and even reminding all at home that "loose lips sink ships". The Blue Star Flag, often quickly visible from the windows of many houses up and down any given street in America, symbolized a pride in the commitment of America's youth and a reminder of the gravity of the entire war effort.

Blue Star Mothers also dedicated themselves to personal efforts, creating and mailing the care packages that mean so much to a soldier away from home, working with or supporting U.S.O. programs to build the morale of their loved ones abroad, and even visitation and care for returning wounded soldiers in area hospitals.

Indeed, the blue star was as much a symbol of pride as it was a show of concern, but the tragedy was that each blue star had an all too strong a potential to change its color. As the war continued, it was an almost daily occurrence to see a black sedan drive slowly down a Blue Star lined street, pull to the curb at a house, and bring a mother the news she had dreaded hearing.

During World War II it was not uncommon to see one or more of each color star in a living room window. Incredibly, the tragedy of one blue star turning gold, could not keep a brother from answering the call to duty. In January 1944 the five Blue Stars in the home of Tom and Alleta Sullivan....were ALL replaced with Gold Stars.

Since World War II

Though the War Mothers Flag has continued to fly over the Capitol every Veterans Day, the practice of the Blue Star and Gold Star Flag displayed in the windows of American homes during time of war did not see wide-spread recognition during the Korean War or the Vietnam War. Combined however, those two wars resulted in more than 100,000 Gold Star Mothers or widows being added to the ranks of the grieving, and while membership in both organizations today is quite low, there are current members from even Desert Storm.

The BLUE STAR FLAG is a wonderful American tradition to revive. We only pray that there will be no need for a GOLD STAR FLAG.

http://www.okdeptbluestarmothers.org/

DEPARTMENT of OKLAHOMA
BLUE STAR MOTHERS OF AMERICA
P O BOX 1265
SAND SPRINGS OK 74063-1265
918-814-2722

CURRENT DEPARTMENT OFFICERS

2007-2008 DEPARTMENT OFFICERS

MISSIONSTATEMENT

The Department of Oklahoma Blue Star Mothers is a non-partisan, non-political organization. The

Mission

of the Department of Oklahoma Blue Star Mothers of America is to assist, organize, regulate, and educate all Chapters within the State so that the National Mission of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. is accomplished. The Department of Oklahoma shall be patriotic, educational, social, and for service to the community and others; to maintain true allegiance to the government of the United States, to assist families of service men and women, to get acquainted, and to foster democracy, to be ever vigilant against invasion of un-American activities; to uphold the American institutions of freedom, justice, and equal rights, and to defend the United States of America from all enemies.

The Department of Oklahoma serves as an administrative entity that assists in the establishment of new Chapters within the State and to ensure that Chapters are compliant with the National Blue Star Mother of America, Inc.’s Constitution, Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, IRS regulations governing 501(c)3 non-profit organizations, and

Oklahoma

laws are followed with accountability. The Department serves as a central repository of information as well as donation of goods to be distributed to the Chapters within the State who needs assistance, to promote the organization, to enable growth for both the Department and the Chapters in a highly effective and efficient manner, to teach and promote patriotism, and to lend support to each other, our veterans, military personnel and their families.

WHO IS A BLUE STAR MOTHER?

A Blue Star Mother is a Mother whose child(ren) is either presently serving in the military, or whose child(ren) has already served and was honorably discharged. A Step-Mother who undertook the rearing of children at age thirteen or earlier also qualifies as a Blue Star Mother.

CAN OTHERS JOIN THE ORGANIZATION?

There is a category of membership available to Dads whose child(ren) is presenting serving in the military, or whose child(ren) has already served and was honorably discharged. Another category of membership is available to anyone who wishes to be a member and help carry out the

Mission

of the organization.

WHERE ARE CHAPTERS LOCATED IN THE STATE?

As of May, 2006, the Department has Chapters in the following towns:

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER OF BLUE STAR MOTHERS

Contact the Department at the phone number, e-mail address, or mailing address listed above. If you do not indicate on your application the Chapter you wish to join, you will be referred to the Chapter nearest you.

NO CHAPTER IN YOUR AREA?

If there is no Blue Star Mothers of America Chapter in your area and you would like to have one, please contact the Department. It only takes five (5) Moms who are willing to serve to apply for a Chapter Charter.

ARE CONTRIBUTIONS TAX DEDUCTIBLE?

Blue Star Mothers of America is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, which is tax exempt and tax deductible. Your personal tax consultant can best advise you on the deductibility of your donation.

DEPARTMENT NEEDS

1. The Department is in need of a warehouse/office type building to house donations that comes in for distribution to the Chapters, to provide office space and facilities for training/meetings.
2. Office furniture, tables, chairs, shelving, storage bins
3. Computer equipment, printer, copiers, Power Point Equipment

TROOP BOXES

The following list of items are products most often used in BSM Care Packages. They may vary from shipment to shipment based upon the season, holiday, or known need of the individual or where he/she is assigned:

1. Disposable Razors
2. Shampoo / Conditioner (Small sizes)
3. Deodorant (Small sizes, no spray cans)
4. Baby Wipes (Small sizes)
5. Toilet Paper (Some areas still need this item, other do not)
6. Feminine Hygiene Products
7. Tooth Paste (Small sizes)
8. Mouth Wash (Small sizes)
9. Dental Floss
10. Chapstick or Lip Balm
11. Eyewash
12. Q-Tips
13. Small boarhair brushes
14. Hand Sanitizer
15. Foot Powder (Small sizes)
16. Lotion
17. Shatter-proof sunglasses
18. Cool Ties/Hand or Foot Warmers
19. Sunscreen (Lotion or cream – no spray)
20. Socks – White/Gray
21. Candy, gum individually wrapped
22. Beef Jerky
23. Snack Foods (Small cans – Peanut butter, Vienna Sausage, Fruit, tuna, etc.)
24. Condiments
25. Ramin Noodles
26. Instant Oatmeal
27. Energy Bars
28. Snack Bars and crackers
29. Fruit Roll-Ups
30. Drink Mixes (Individual sizes, tea bags, dry powder only – no liquids)
31. AA and AAA batteries
32. Small games (playing cards, puzzle books, handheld games, small Frisbees, small stuffed animals such as Beannie Babies)
33. Paperback books (for both male and female)
34. Mosquito repellant coils
35. Writing materials
36. Cards, pictures made by children, letters
37. Zip lock bags – all sizes
38. Packaging Tape

Cash donations are always welcome to help cover cost of mailing the boxes, assisting military personnel, veterans and their families and all other aspects of our service to our communities and others. Checks, money orders, or cashiers checks should be made payable to Dept of OK BSM.