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Gold Star Mother's Day, 2003 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As members of America's Armed Forces now protect our country by engaging the enemies of freedom in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and on other fronts in the war against terrorism, they carry on a noble legacy. Today, Americans and millions around the world enjoy freedom because of the service and sacrifice of our military men and women. The cost of America's freedom is often personal. Few pay more dearly than our Gold Star Mothers, who have endured the death of a son or daughter...

<p>That Our Sons Did Not Die in Vain On losing a child in the cause of freedom.</p> <p>The debate over whether our cause in Iraq is just rages in the media with one expert after another shouting to be heard. With the second anniversary of Sept. 11 upon us, this endless second-guessing about our decision to go to war has me frantically flipping channels to get away from it all.</p>

Dorothy Oxendine presides over American Gold Star Mothers Inc., a national organization of women whose sons and daughters have died in military service to the nation. (Photo by Mark Abraham) AMERICAN IDENTITY With the Iraq War, a New Generation of Gold Star Mothers BY DELIA M. RIOS More stories by Delia M. Rios WASHINGTON -- As Dorothy Oxendine knows, the most dreaded words a parent can hear are "We regret to inform you ..." She lost her only son, Pfc. Willie F. Oxendine III, to a land mine in Vietnam on May 30, 1968. His death at age 21...

You really should be sitting down when you read this one. Gold Star Mothers is an organization made up of women whose sons were killed in military combat during service in the United States armed forces. Recently a delegation of New York State Gold Star Mothers made a trip to Washington, DC to discuss various concerns with their elected representatives. According to published reports, there was only one politician who refused to meet with these ladies. Can you guess which politician that might be? Was it New York Senator Charles Schumer? Nope, he met with them. Try again. Do you...