To the Editor:

The Department of New York, American Gold Star Mothers Partnered with the Vietnam Commemoration Commission because we both felt the ultimate sacrifices in Vietnam should not continue to go unnoticed.  The Department of Defense established this program to honor the Vietnam families, and that is why the Department of New York, AGSM joined as a partner.

Margaret Gilbert and Patty Wagoner are valued members of our organization and keep the memory of Glenn alive by participating in various military activities.  We all want the sacrifices of our loved ones to be remembered. 

We greatly appreciate your editorial about this presentation and for recognizing the importance of this event. Since Lieutenant General Joeseph DeFrancisco, who is retired, served three combat tours in Vietnam, we felt it was appropriate for him to read the Certificate of Honor being presented to Patty.

To the casual reader, it would not be obvious that Certificates of Honor were also to be presented to Albany Vietnam Moms Marie Ladouceur and Dorothea Rockenstyre.  Very unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond their control, they were unable to go to the luncheon.  Calls to both have been made and plans for these presentations at a later date are in the works. 

Semper Fi.

Mary Ellen Jackowski, President
Department of New York
American Gold Star Mothers