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Chapter History

Blue Star Mothers (BSM) began in 1942 as an organization, however in 1917 an Army captain in Ohio started the idea when two of his sons served on the front lines in Europe. Membership in the organization peaked during WWII, fell during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and is growing once again across the nation. On November 29, 2009, seven mothers met in the Elgin home of now President, S. Joyce Carrasco to discuss whether or not there would be interest in forming a Greater Chicago chapter of the Blue Star Mothers of America. The decision was unanimous! The first meeting of Illinois Chapter #3 was held on January 10, 2010. Our current chapter roster has 37 members.

Charter Members Nov. 2009

National History

On January 22,1942, the Flint News Advertiser printed a coupon asking Mothers of serviceman to return the coupon after filling it out. The following February 1st, 300 mothers met in the Durant Hotel, in Flint, Michigan. Captain George H. Maines, who had conceived the idea for this group, acted as the chair of this first meeting. It was decided to form a permanent organization after receiving 1,000 responses from the ad.

On February 6th, the organization was reported on Congressional record. Chapters then formed in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, California, Iowa and Washington. In June of 1960, the organization was chartered by Congress.

Mothers volunteered throughout the tough times of World War II. They worked in hospitals, train stations, packed care packages for soldiers and were a working part of homeland security during our time of war. The organization waned in size over the years but has held together by mothers showing pride in both their children and country. In recent times, we have began to grow in strength. Being attacked on our own soil has once again started mothers hanging flags in their windows at home, proclaiming pride in the fact that we have children protecting our freedom during at time of war.

Our organization not only provides support for active duty service personnel, it also promotes patriotism, assists Veterans organizations, and are available to assist in homeland volunteer efforts to help our country remain strong.