“Patriotism is not a short and frenzied outburst of emotion but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.”
Adlai Stevenson
“The Iraqi women held signs thanking our heroes they call “martyrs.” They beat their chest and put their hand over their heart to show appreciation for what our kids have done for them,” said Jane Davis, president of the Upstate Blue Star Mothers that supports moms who have children in the military.
This outpouring of appreciation happened when Upstate South Carolina Gold Star Mothers, ones who have lost a son or daughter in combat, flew overseas last month and shared hugs with Iraqi moms who have experienced the same.
Hugs for Healing gives mothers, wives, daughters, sisters and friends from both sides of the battlefield an opportunity to sit down together. They share about how to unite, how to find peaceful solutions, and how to get through the pain.
For the Upstate mom who lost her helicopter pilot daughter when she was shot down, the trip presented a chance to stand on the soil where her daughter last stood and to experience some closure.
Jane shared about accompanying the Gold Star Mothers to Iraq. She hasn’t lost a child, but her son has been deployed twice so she recognizes all too well the risk of swapping her Blue Star title for Gold Star Mother.
Because she’s been instrumental in organizing funeral details for Upstate South Carolina men and women, the Gold Star Mothers told Jane, “You have to go. The trip wouldn’t be the same without you.”
WRite wHere I’m supposed to be – Today we recognize our veterans who, like the Gold Star Mothers and Jane, when surrounded by pain, choose patriotism over all other.
