MOTHERS OF AMERICAN WAR DEAD STILL SHINE.

Byline: Robert Hammer Guest columnist

One of the most important dates of national recognition isn't even listed on formal holiday schedules - this last Sunday in September.

That's a shame, and here is why.

First celebrated in 1940, as declared by President Roosevelt, the date honors a select group of American patriots - heroes, one and all - who gave so much of themselves to preserve the freedom you and your family now enjoy.

It was to honor mothers whose sons were called into military service to defend their country. Without shirking or ducking or dodging, the young men went where and when they were called.

It involves a quiet group often not heard above the roar of those who incessantly complain about our great country. It involves those who have asked for nothing in return, except to be remembered for their sacrifices, and who now deserve our nation's highest honors.

It is this great nation made greater still by its heroes. Let's remember them, not just for this moment but also every day of every year.

They are known as American Gold Star Mothers, women whose sons died in service to their country - passing to the other side in some lonely field of battle far from home and loved ones, having protected you and your family and your way of life.

Gold Star Mothers is an organization chartered by Congress in 1928 to honor the families of soldiers gone, those who had made the supreme sacrifice for their country.

During World War II, some might still remember, blue stars were displayed in the windows of homes to signify families' sons who were serving in the military. If by a sad chance of events someone's son did not return home, a gold star was issued and placed in the window, so the world might know the sacrifice made by that family.

The organization and its members are not nearly as visible today. They work quietly in the community, without fanfare or notoriety. They host no black-tie events or auctions. They simply do good work with veterans' groups.

When some Americans think of the strength and greatness of this country, they tend to point to the machinery of the military and the industrialists who forge them. I would rather think about the supreme sacrifice of humble American Gold Star Mothers and the heroes and patriots they gave to our great nation.

They lived in Thousand Oaks and Ventura and Simi Valley, and every city, large and small, throughout our vast country. I wonder if we will ever fully appreciate the sacrifices made by the families of those who served under our flag.

Let me implore you with what I know about this group of heroes. First, while they have given so very much to our nation, I have never ever heard a Gold Star Mother say that anything was owed her as reparation. When you talk with the active ones in the group, their conversation turns to veterans and others they are trying to help: job skills for single moms, budget skills for those with little education, home-finding help for those who through no fault of their own find themselves homeless on the streets of this great country. They spend their time helping others. Oh my, it is so sweet doing something for these ladies who ask for nothing in return.

I have devoted much of the last 20 years of my life trying to make the load these women bear a little lighter, giving their quiet efforts a little more visibility in a world with numerous groups clamoring for our attention. I feel ever so grateful for having found them, and for their allowing me to play some small role in their lives.

Most sensible people go through life wondering if they are making a difference. Gold Star Mothers do not have that problem.