Welcome to the Blue Star Mothers-MA Chapter 1

History of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.

On January 22, 1942 the Flint News Advertiser printed a coupon asking Mothers of serviceman to return the coupon after filling it out. The following February 1st 300 mothers met in the Durant Hotel, in Flint Michigan. Captain George H. Maines, who had conceived the idea for this group, acted as the chair of this first meeting. It was decided that after receiving 1000 responses from the ad to form a permanent organization.

On February 6th the organization was reported on Congressional record. Chapters then formed in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, California, Iowa and Washington. In June of 1960 the organization was chartered by congress.

Mothers volunteered throughout the tough times of World War II. They worked in hospitals, train stations, packed care packages for soldiers and were a working part of homeland security during times our time of war. The organization waned in size over the years but has held together by mothers showing pride in both their children and country. In recent times we have began to grow in strength. Being attacked on our own soil has once again started mothers hanging flags in their windows at home proclaiming pride in the fact that we have children protecting our freedom during at time of war

Our organization not only provides support for active duty service personnel, promotes patriotism, assists Veterans organizations, and is available to assist in homeland volunteer efforts to help our country remain strong.

We are a non-profit service organization with a mission to support our troops and military families. The Blue Star Mothers is a national organization with over 6,000 members and 200 chapters. Our Chapter was chartered in July of 2006 and was the first chapter in Massachusetts. We are located in Leominster MA. The state is currently home to 3 chapters of the Blue Star Mothers. Chapter 2 is located on the South Shore and Chapter 3 is located in Worcester, MA.

We welcome fathers, brothers, sisters, friends and other family members of military members and veterans as associate members. After all, when one family member serves, the whole family serves.

The Blue Star Mothers are a non-partisan, non-political, non-sectarian organization. We do not support or endorse any political candidate, nor do we endorse any religious organization.

2023-2024 Leadership

President-Melissa Pelletier

President.MA1@bluestarmothers.us

1st Vice President and Membership Chair-Andrea Tourigny

1VP.MA1@bluestarmothers.us

2nd Vice President and Blue to Gold Liaison-Rose Annese

2vp.ma2@bluestarmothers.us

Recording Secretary-Susan St. Laurent

recsec.ma1@bluestarmothers.us

Treasurer-Annette Elenbaas

Treas.MA1@bluestarmothers.us

Financial Secretary- Sharon Bouchard

Finsec.ma1@bluestarmothers.us