80 years ago today, Gold Star Mothers Maryland Chapter received their Charter from the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. National Board.
The Gold Star Mothers Maryland Chapter was formed in the 1940s and chartered on November 11, 1946, to support families of those in the military during WW II, Korea, and Vietnam Wars. Maryland and Delaware then combined to work with those who were grieving. Over the years, membership dwindled and the Chapter became inactive. With the United States’ involvement in the Global War on Terror, along with the dangers of regular military life, there has been a rise in the number of Gold Star Mothers in our states.
In 2007, a group of Gold Star Moms, spearheaded by Carol Roddy, whose son was killed in 2006, banded together to ask the American Gold Star Mothers (ASGM) National Office to start a new chapter here in Maryland. Carol, with her husband Bob, provided leadership for the next few years, getting the chapter set up and incorporated, contacting potential members and acquiring 501(c)(3) status for the chapter. She served as President until her untimely passing in 2013.
Our mission remains the same throughout our 80-year history – finding strength in the fellowship of other Gold Star Mothers who strive to keep the memory of our sons and daughters alive by working to help veterans, those currently serving in the military, their families and our community.
As members of the National American Gold Star Mothers, Inc organization a 501 (c) 3 national nonprofit Veterans Service Organization, we are governed by our national organization’s constitution and bylaws; however, much of the service of our organization is done at the chapter level. The Gold Star Mothers Maryland Chapter is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 tax exempt organization.
Honor Through Service
