A few days ago a good blogging buddy of mine (Carl D’Agostino of: “I Know I Made You Smile”)* inspired the following poem, when he published the post: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 2015: Mother’s Day”** in which he honored those mothers who have given to this nation the very essence of their being, their child! Gold Star Mothers they are called, but does that say enough of them, does that even come close to describing what they have sacrificed and endured? Or begin to tell of the burden which they have borne since they received the most dreaded of all news? For the love of this country and all of the freedoms that we have (or had) their son or daughter gave their life to ensure that we would continue to be so free.
So on this “Mother’s Day” I too, would like to give tribute and pay homage to those who have given to us their heroes. May they rest in the eternal peace that they have so truly earned.
So please, if you still can, make your mom’s day a special one, for there are some who will be very lonely today.
Jake.
None gave more.
The Gold Star Mother
The hanging star in the window
tells only of her loss
but never, can that star reveal
the suffering it cost.
For part of her has gone to rest
leaving her here, to grieve
and in its mournful memory
she’ll remain, without reprieve.
Jack Downing
May 2015
* Carl is an accomplished artist, cartoonist and author. Please visit his blog you will not be disappointed.
** In this post he gives the reader heart-wrenching pictures and a poem that salutes these brave ladies.
Copyright© Jack Downing, aka Jake @poemsandponderings.wordpress.com. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reprinted or disseminated in any manner without the expressed, written consent of the author. JRD. 5/10/15
poemsandponderings 
What a beautiful, poetic reminder to remember these special mothers. As a child, I participated in the local community Memorial Day program, placing poppies on a wreath. I remember the gold poppies, but never fully understood then what they meant. When a soldier dies, an entire family is enveloped in grief, but especially the parents.
Thank you for the kind remarks Audrey. It is so sad that families have to experience such a tragedy. I can’t begin to imagine the shock that they must go through when that message is delivered.