Maryland Gold Star Mothers Paula Davis, Janice Chance, Donna Robinson, Stephanie White, Yvonne Green, and Gold Star Dad, Gary Green attended The Peace Cross 100th Anniversary Ceremony on July 12, 2025 in Bladensburg, Maryland. Renee Green, The Executive Producer of Save the Peace Cross Documentary, provided the welcome address and opening remarks. There were many veterans as well as members of The American Legions and The VFW organizations who attended the event. Elected Officials including Maryland State Senator Augustine, Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy, Congressman Glen Ivey and At-large Prince George’s Council Member Jolene Ivey, were among the speakers at the event. Gold Star Mother, First VP and Chaplain Janice Chance did the invocation.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June 2019, that The Peace Cross did not violate The First Amendment’s establishment clause and can remain, affirming its historical and cultural significance. “The cross is undoubtedly a Christian symbol, but that fact should not blind us to everything else that the Bladensburg Cross has come to represent,” Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. wrote in the main opinion. “For some, that monument is a symbolic resting place for ancestors who never returned home. For others, it is a place for the community to gather and honor all veterans and their sacrifices for our Nation. For others still, it is a historical landmark.”
The names of 49 fallen servicemen from Prince George’s County who died during World War I were acknowledged which included four African American Soldiers. Afterwards, the Gold Star Mothers attended a luncheon that was held at Cheverly American Legion Post 108. Gold Star Mother, First VP and Chaplain Janice Chance did the invocation before the luncheon was served and provided remarks. It was so appropriate that this ceremony be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025 which was the exact day of the week and date, 100 years ago that honored the 49 Fallen Heroes of Prince Georges County, who served and fought for our Country.
