GOLD STAR FAMILIES FOR PEACE

Families of the Fallen
Support and Resources
An affiliate of Military Families Speak Out


American Military Deaths in Iraq

Total
In combat
Since 5/1/2003:
1436
1111
Since war began:
1573
1221
Total wounded:
11664

"it gets harder and harder , people tell me it gets easy , it niver will i think its killing me," Rose Gentle regarding her son, Gordon Gentle's death in Iraq Glasgow,Scotland 01/23/05

Short documentary featuring Rose Gentle and her attempts to speak with Mrs. Blair

History of the service flag

The service flag (also known as "blue star banners" or "son in service flags") was designed and patented by World War I Army Captain Robert L. Queissner of the 5th Ohio Infantry who had two sons serving on the front line. The flag quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in service. President Wilson became part of its history when in 1918 he approved a suggestion made by the Women's Committee of the Council of National Defenses that mothers who had lost a child serving in the war to wear a gold gilt star on the traditional black mourning arm band. This led to the tradition to cover the blue star with a gold star on the Service flag to indicate that the service member has died or been killed. Gold Star Families for Peace has been created to give a voice to families who have experienced the ultimate sacrifice in wartime. Our organization welcomes all family members of our Fallen Heros.

*CARLY'S POEM*
A Nation Rocked to sleep
by Carly Sheehan Brother Casey KIA 04/04/04 Sadr City Baghdad

Have you ever heard the sound of a mother screaming for her son? The torrential rains of a mother's weeping will never be done They call him a hero, you should be glad that he's one, but Have you ever heard the sound of a mother screaming for her son?

Have you ever heard the sound of a father holding back his cries? He must be brave because his boy died for another man's lies The only grief he allows himself are long, deep sighs Have you ever heard the sound of a father holding back his cries?

Have you ever heard the sound of taps played at your brother's grave? They say that he died so that the flag will continue to wave But I believe he died because they had oil to save Have you ever heard the sound of taps played at your brother's grave?

Have you ever heard the sound of a nation being rocked to sleep? The leaders want to keep you numb so the pain won't be so deep But if we the people let them continue another mother will weep Have you ever heard the sound of a nation being rocked to sleep?

http://www.gsfp.org/