PNP Gold Star Mother Terry Davis and Gold Star Mother Candy Martin lead the Mothers down to the 'The Wall' wreath laying ceremonies.

On a bright sunny morning 'The Wall' just having been washed it was now time for the Gold Star Mother's wreath laying ceremony.

Gold Star Mother Chaplain Sue Pollard leads the Mothers in a moment of silence and prayer.

Vietnam PNP Gold Star Mother Terry Davis and Gold Star Mother Jennifer Jackman, 1st Vice-President place the wreath at the apex of The Wall.

That the last Sunday in September shall hereafter be designated and known as “Gold Star Mother’s Day,” and it shall be the duty of the President to request its observance as provided for in this resolution.” Proclamation by the President Franklin D. Roosevelt of the United States, September 14, 1940.

A 'Honor Flight' World War II Veteran from Bakersfield, CA chats with Gold Star Mother at The Wall.

To Honor and Remember

Gold Star Mother Sandy Dutton visits with her Son Nicholas in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery.

The proud family of LCpl Nicholas O'Brien, USMC, KIA, 6/9/11

Gold Star Mother Mona Gunn, Barb Benard 2013-2014 Gold Star Mother National President and Gold Star Dad Jack Bernard arrive for the 73rd Anniversary “Gold Star Mothers Day” ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery.

U.S. Army Brass Quintet

Gold Star Mother Sergeant at Arms Donna Bagwell, Chaplin, LTC Douglas Etter PAANG and Cindy Kruger, 2nd Vice-President share a moment before the start of the afternoon ceremonies.

Sergeant First Class “Scary” Scaricaciottoli was a very close friend of Gold Star Mother National President Barb Benard Son SFC Brent A. Adams, Operation Iraqi Freedom 12/01/2005 KIA

Veterans of Foreign Wars National Guard leads in with our National ensign.

Barb Benard 2013-2014 Gold Star Mother National President and Brigadier General John Gronski, PAANG

Joint Armed Forces Color Guard

Invocation lead by Chaplin, LTC Douglas Etter PAANG

Call to order, Introduction of the speakers by Gold Star Mother Jennifer Jackman, 1st Vice-President.

The Presidential Proclamation was read by Melissa Adams.

Gold Star Mother Lorna Harris, Banner Guard, National Historian. Proud Mother of SPC Dustin J. Harris, 'Our Mighty Paratrooper'.

Barb Benard 2013-2014 Gold Star Mother National President address the audience.

Gold Star Mother Jennifer Jackman, 1st Vice-President introduces the Keynote speaker Brigadier General John Gronski, PAANG

Keynote speaker Brigadier General John Gronski, PAANG

Chaplin, LTC Douglas Etter PAANG led us in the final Benediction.

Gold Star Mother Candy Martin and Ward Nickisch

Sergeant First Class “Scary” Scaricaciottoli, Chaplin, LTC Douglas Etter PAANG, Barb Benard 2013-2014 Gold Star Mother National President, Brigadier General John Gronski, PAANG

Placing of the Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

It is considered one of the highest honors to serve as a Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Fewer than 20 percent of all volunteers are accepted for training and of those only a fraction pass training to become full-fledged Tomb Guards.

Taps are played and a final salute.

73rd Anniversary of Gold Star Mother's Day, September 29, 2013