Gold Star Mother’s Day ceremony held in Utica

UTICA — A special wreath laying ceremony was held Sunday at the Captain George A. Wood Postal Facility to help recognize Gold Star Mother’s Day.

Gold Star Mother’s Day is held on the last Sunday in September every year.

“These Gold Star mothers gave up so much for our country,” said Thomas Buono, president of Vietnam Veterans of America Utica NY Chapter #944.

Vietnam Veterans of America Utica NY Chapter #944 hosted Sunday’s ceremony at the postal facility, where there is a Gold Star mother’s monument.

American Gold Star Mothers Inc. was formed shortly after World War I to provide support for mothers that lost children in the war. The name comes from the custom of service member families hanging a service flag in their windows, with a blue star for each member serving in the military. The blue stars were swapped for gold stars if the family member lost their lives.

Mary Wheeler is one of the Gold Star mothers that attended the ceremony. Her son Joseph Keith Wheeler of Utica had just turned 18 when he was killed in action March 31, 1968 in Vietnam.

“This is the most important thing in my life,” Mary Wheeler said. “Not just for him, but for all the men and women that gave so much.”

Sunday’s ceremony consisted of the presentation of colors, the playing of the nation anthem, the recognition of Gold Star mothers and family, speakers and the wreath laying.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi, D-Utica, was one the handful of speakers.

“Freedom is not free,” Brindisi said, referencing the idiom typically used to express gratitude for the military. “Some will say that phrase is over used. I don’t think it’s used enough.”

A dinner at Hart’s Hill Inn in Whitesboro was held after the ceremony.