Central Supports Blue Star Mothers

By Lindsey Pyburn

The money raised by this year’s Cookin’ in Central was used to support several different organizations. During their annual Gold Star Mothers banquet this year, $4000 of the total funds from Cookin’ was awarded to the local chapter of Blue Star Mothers. Blue Star Mothers dates back to World War I when the families of active duty military placed the Blue Star Flag in the windows of their homes. The group waned after World War II, but became popular again after 9/11. The tradition of using the Blue Star Flag is still observed amongst the members of the organization. The group gives the mothers of active duty military a place to connect with others going through the same situations and allows them to participate in activities that benefit current and past military personnel.

These activities include sending care packages to soldiers overseas five times a year as well as participating in Wreaths Across America, which is an extension of the Arlington Wreath Project at Arlington National Cemetery. This program promotes the laying of wreaths on the graves of soldiers at Christmastime. In the Baton Rouge area, wreaths are laid at Baton Rouge National Cemetery downtown and Port Hudson National Cemetery in Zachary. In addition, Blue Star Mothers also participates in the Port Allen parade and several Veterans’ Day events. They also volunteer at several events held at the USS Kidd throughout the year. These events benefit both current soldiers and veterans.

The founder of the Greater Baton Rouge chapter of Blue Star Mothers is Janet Broussard. She joined the national chapter when her son entered the military, but at the time there were no chapters in Louisiana. She says that there are several Central mothers in the Greater Baton Rouge chapter, also known as Chapter 1, and that they are very active in the organization. Mrs. Broussard expressed that Mayor Watts, along with the citizens of Central, has been very supportive of the activities of Blue Star Mothers. Blue Star Mothers has had contributions from the students at Bellingrath Elementary School and St. Alphonsus. The donation they received from Cookin’ in Central will be used to fund a memorial at Port Hudson National Cemetery honoring all veterans. If you are interested in joining or contributing to Blue Star Mothers, there is information on the local chapter’s website, www.bluestarmoms.net.