Gold Star Mothers Program Honored at Putnam County Event

Putnam County officials recognized the West Point Army Community Service Gold Star Mothers program for its enduring support to the Hudson Valley during the 2016 State of the County event.

“The Gold Star Mothers is an organization that no one wants to belong to,” said Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell in her presentation. “These are amazing women who have endured the unthinkable. Yet, they remain active in the care and support of all Veterans, especially those who are hospitalized.”

While the theme for the State of the County address was “The Year of Business Development,” Odell highlighted that volunteer groups such as Gold Star Mothers are a vital part of community development.

The meeting at the Putnam County Golf Course March 10 was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by the Gold Star Mothers.

Odell recognized each Gold Star Mother by name for her enduring commitment to veterans and presented each member with a corsage as a physical show of support and thanks from the Putnam County legislative body.

“It is always an honor to be with these special Mothers,” said Karl Rohde, director of Putnam County’s Veterans Service Agency. “Notwithstanding the unknowable grief in their hearts they are always upbeat and concerned with the well-being of Veterans and their families. I always feel better after I have spent some time with them.”

The dedication and commitment given by the Gold Star Mothers promotes the growth and sustainable support to the citizens of the West Point Garrison and community by improving the delivery of quality of life services, officials said.

In September, Putnam will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the dedication of the Gold Star Mothers monument in the county’s Veterans Memorial Park in Kent. It is the first monument of its kind in the United States.

Photo: Dr. Joseph Gall, West Point Army Community Service Director; Arthur Hanley, Deputy Director of Putnam County Veterans Service Agency; Karl Rohde, Putnam County Veterans Service Agency and Raul Lopez, Army Community Service Survivor Outreach Services Coordinator, recognize Gold Star Mothers Donna Yurista, Vivian Allen, Yo Assam and Renate DeAngelis for their service in supporting Hudson Valley Veterans. (U.S. Army photo by Raul Lopez/released)