Mae Walsh honored as Gold Star Mother

Mae Walsh, 98, was honored as a Gold Star Mother on Gold Star Mother's Day last Sunday at the Hi-Line Retirement Center.

"This is the most hugs I've gotten in a long time," Walsh announced.

Walsh's son, Truman J. Walsh, was killed in action in Thua Thien, Vietnam, on February 25, 1969, while serving in the United States Army at the age of 21 (he is honored on Panel 31W, Line 61 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.) A gold star symbolizes a family member who died in the line of duty while serving the United States Armed Forces. It may be seen on a service flag or in the form of a pin, which is worn by Gold Star Mothers. The pin is not limited to mothers and it is awarded by the US Department of Defense, according to Goldstarmoms.com. The group was founded in 1928.

Malta's Buster Deo VFW Post 4067 and the Malta American Legion hosted the event at the HLRC. Post 4067 Post Commander Jim Layton was joined by several members of the group and several members of the Malta Auxiliary were also in attendance.

VFW Post 4067's Chaplain, Pastor Kent Gordon, said Walsh might be the only Phillips County Gold Star Mother and thanked her for all the years she has been among the veterans in Phillips County.

"Seeing you all the time just reminds us to help those in need," Pastor Gordon said. "You also give some of the best hugs around. God Bless you. Thank you for your son, who sacrificed for us. Together, we celebrate you as a Gold Star Mother this year and every year. It helps us move along with our lives."

"I'm a tough woman," Walsh said.

The night featured ceremonial laying of three flowers and wreath on an altar set up for the evening and about 50 people showed up to help celebrate with Walsh. During the night, Juniors of the American Legion joined Sons of the American Legion (mostly middle school age) to sing God Bless America and the trio of Dale Bruckner, Kari Hould, and Janine Tuss sang More than a Name on the Wall. The evening was capped with coffee and cake in the HLRC dining room (where the event was held.)