Blue Star Mothers Group Receives Seven Seals Award

Editor's note: The following information was provided by Julie Mathie-Cross, who attended the ceremony.

The Stars and Stripes Ohio Chapter #2 of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. received the Seven Seals Award at North Canton City Hall Tuesday evening. Retired Brigadier General Thomas Luczynski, Commander 73rd Troop Command, Army National Guard, presented the award to Chapter president Judy Dorsey. The Ohio Chapter is the only one in the United States to receive such an honor.

The Ohio Chapter was chartered in September of 2006 in order to support our troops, honor our veterans and promote patriotism. The Chapter has more than 100 members who participate in the wounded warriors program, donate to military families in need and support the Veterans Administration.

The following is the Mission Statement of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.:

The purposes of the corporation shall be: to perpetuate the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., and the memory of all the men and women who have served our country as members of the Armed Forces; the further object of this organization shall be patriotic, educational, social, and for service; to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States; to educate our members and others not to divulge military, naval, or other Government information; to assist in veterans' ceremonies, to attend patriotic rallies and meetings; to foster true democracy; to care for the unsupported mothers who gave their sons to the service of the Nation; to aid in bringing about recognition of the need of permanent civilian defense for each community and to ever be alert against invasion of un-American activities; to uphold the American institutions of freedom, justice, and equal rights, and to defend the United States from all enemies.

The following is the Chapter Preamble:

We, the mothers of members of the Armed Forces of the United States of America, do unite to establish a permanent organization. Desiring to continue to be of service to our nation, we dedicate our time and lives, if necessary, to the perpetuation of democratic government, and are proud and honored that our sons and daughters have chosen to serve their country.

Notable persons in attendance at the event included Brigadier General Thomas Luczynski, Ohio Sen. Scott Oelslager, City Councilman Tom Fox and Director of Administrative Services Bill Bartos.