The American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. National Executive Board invited all members to participate in special events organized for Gold Star Mothers and Family Weekend. The Events were held on Friday 9/24, Saturday 9/25 and Sunday 9/26. Maryland Chapter moms Kelly Swanson, Paula Davis, Janice Chance and her husband Charlton, and Yvonne Green and her husband Garry participated in one or more of the events. The events began on Friday with a Meet & Greet Open House at National Headquarters. On Saturday there were three events; a Suicide Awareness Walk that began at the Lincoln Memorial, a wreath laying ceremony at the Vietnam Wall, and ending with a reflection at Section 60 in Arlington National Cemetery. The last event of the day was the Annual Banquet which was held at Patton Hall located on Joint Base Fort Myer. Kim Mitchell, Navy Veteran, Former CEO at Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD), and currently works at National University was the Keynote Speaker, and several other distinguished guests were in attendance. On Sunday, September 26th, Gold Star Mothers and Family’s Day, President Jo Ann Maitland, accompanied by her daughter, laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Commemoration Ceremony was held on the lawn adjacent to the Amphitheater. After a warm welcome from Jo Ann, Richard Azzaro, Founder, Society of the Honor Guard Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, gave remarks. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Mark Milley was the Keynote Speaker. Also, in attendance to support the moms were several other distinguished guests, supporters from several veteran service organizations, veterans, family and friends. After the ceremony, a reception was held at Patton Hall located at Fort Myers.
