Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Centennial Commemoration

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Centennial Commemoration

On November 11, 1921, Arlington National Cemetery welcomed America’s unknown soldier from World War l and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was dedicated.

Now, a century later our nation will observe this centennial commemoration over Veterans Day, November 9-11, 2021.

The tomb is meaningful and symbolic to Sons and Daughters In Touch as a constant reminder of the nation’s commitment to obtaining the fullest possible accounting of each American service member who has yet to return home. In 1959, unknown soldiers from World War ll and the Korean War were enshrined alongside the “World War l unknown”. An empty crypt symbolically represents those unaccounted for from the Vietnam War.

For the first time ever, the public is being invited to step onto the plaza and place a flower tribute at the tomb. To learn more about this ceremony and other events during the Centennial Commemoration, visit the following links:

Tomb Guards: https://tombguard.org/centennial
Arlington National Cemetery: https://arlingtoncemetery.mil/Tomb100

Gold Star Families Remembrance Week – September 19-25, 2021

Gold Star Families Remembrance Week – September 19-25, 2021

 
On September 15, United States Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (MS) and Raphael Warnock (GA) co-sponsored a resolution declaring September 19-25 as National Gold Star Families Remembrance Week.
 
Sons and Daughters In Touch are deeply grateful for this acknowledgment of ‘The Long Gold Line’ of America’s Gold Star Families: from those lost in World War l – initiating the Gold Star Tradition – to the 13 lost at the airport in Kabul, Afghanistan on August 29.
 
 
With the significant majority of America’s Gold Star Families originating from World War l, World War ll the Korean War, and Vietnam War, it is critical to acknowledge the heritage and history of this precious American tradition bestowed on the families whose loved ones were lost defending the nation against her enemies.
Gold Star Children’s Day – August 1, 2021!

Gold Star Children’s Day – August 1, 2021!

United States Senators Roger Wicker (MS) and Joe Manchin (WV) co-sponsored a resolution designating August 1 as National Gold Star Children’s Day!

World War l

To better understand the meaning and significance of the Gold Star tradition, view the video the Department of Defense video at this link:

https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/2246026/understanding-the-significance-of-the-gold-star/

More than 7,000 American service members have been killed in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq alone since Sept. 11, 2001. More than 16,000 have died of other causes in that time. Gold Star families have borne the losses, and Defense Department officials want Americans – especially those serving in the department – to understand what the Gold Star lapel pin and Next of Kin lapel pins mean.

The pins were created ”to recognize the sacrifices of so many,” said Deborah Skillman, the program director at the Military Community and Family Policy Office in the Pentagon. Skillman’s office has created and posted an ”eTutorial” on Military OneSource to educate people about the program. 

Service members know what the Gold Star represents, and, unfortunately, in a time of conflict, many service members have lost friends. Still, the force has a large turnover of personnel, Skillman noted, and there may be some who do not understand the Gold Star program and what it represents. The eTutorial is for them, she said.

The education effort is in response to input from family members who, because of a general lack of knowledge, sometimes get ”unintentionally insensitive questions about the Gold Star lapel button and Next of Kin lapel button,” Skillman said. 

The Gold Star symbol began during World War I. At the start of the American involvement in 1917, families hung banners with blue stars representing family members in the services. If the service member died in combat, the family changed the blue star to gold. 

After the war, Gold Star mothers banded together. The group was incorporated in 1928. This year’s Gold Star Mothers Day is Sept. 27.

There are still Gold Star families from World War I, and many thousands from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

For more information, go to https://millifelearning.militaryonesource.mil/

Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day

Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day

In solidarity with our brothers and sisters who still await news of the fates of their fathers, Sons and Daughters In Touch is pleased to see the official POW/MIA Flag flying again atop the White House.

Appropriately, today — April 9 — is “Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day”.

SDIT has always supported the effort to obtain the fullest possible accounting of the 1585 American servicemen who did not return home at the end of the Vietnam War. Until they are all home, that support will endure.

(Photo is courtesy of the White House — and subsequently cropped for viewing)

National Vietnam War Veterans Day 2021

National Vietnam War Veterans Day 2021

Near the end of National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29, a unique and special tribute occurred at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden paid a visit to ‘The Wall’ and etched a name rubbing of Cpl. Dennis F. Shine, the father of Gold Star Children and Sons and Daughters In Touch members: Dennis Shine and Kelly Shine Sullivan.