Bill Clinton

“ Since 1928, America's Gold Star Mothers have worked together to serve their communities and our Nation. They bring comfort and hope to disabled veterans and their families, to keep alive the memory of all Americans who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom, and to promote harmony among all the peoples of the world. Their quest for peace is especially poignant because they know better than most the cruel costs of war. Every Gold Star Mother has faced the inevitable and unyielding truth that the proud son or daughter who marched off to battle will never come home to her loving arms. ”

“ In the brutality of war, many have sacrificed their lives, bringing devastating pain and grief to their families and friends. No one feels such a loss more acutely than do the mothers and fathers of these patriots who have paid so dearly to serve our country. To bear and nurture children, to give them life and unbounded love, to raise them with care to adulthood, only to lose them to the fatal grip of war, brings an abiding sorrow. ”

“ As a Nation, we have a sacred duty to remember those who have died in service to our country, but we have an important responsibility to the living as well. America's Gold Star Mothers deserve our unfailing gratitude and profound respect, not only for their courage and compassion in the face of great personal sadness, but also for their constant love for our country and their fellow Americans. ”