Holding hands and standing in a circle, members of the Kimball American Legion Auxiliary reflected as the song “God Bless the USA” played. Through this act, Auxiliary members were honoring service men and women who have lost their lives while serving our country. The Auxiliary’s annual “Gold Star Mothers” event was held on Wednesday, May 14. A gold star mother is someone who lost her son or daughter while they were fighting for our country, explained Abby Schmidt, Kimball Auxiliary first-vice president. She explained that Kimball’s chapter currently has one gold star member. “We also lost one of our members this year,” said Schmidt. “She was a 55-year member.” To honor this member and the gold star mother’s loss, a black drape was hung over the Auxiliary charter. During the ceremony, prayers were given to honor service men and women. “Years of devoted service have been given [to our country] by men and women,” recited Schmidt. “We are asking for a blessing over our unit.” “Death has entered our ranks and we pause to pay tribute to the lives lost,” said Auxiliary Chaplain Alvina Berscheid. “We rededicate ourselves to the unfinished work that they have started.” “We want to be remembered for what we have done for others not for what they have done for us,” said Berscheid. Auxiliary members concluded their “Gold Star Mothers” banquet with a pot luck supper. Auxiliary beyond the banquet Throughout the year, Auxiliary members participate in and organize different service projects. “We try to promote patriotism and show people that this starts at home,” said Schmidt. The group invites the community to participate in various patriotic events like wearing red, white and blue, displaying the flag properly and teaching flag etiquette. Auxiliary members also sponsor a mitten tree during Christmas season. Community members are invited to donate items for needy families, including mittens, hats and personal care products on the tree. These items are then given to the district nurse who distributes them among needy families. Auxiliary members also visit with veterans at the VA hospital in St. Cloud. Recently, 20 members had lunch and played bingo with veterans. Anyone interested can join the Kimball Auxiliary “as long as they join under a member in good standing.” Auxiliary members can be a mother, a grandmother, a sister, a daughter, a granddaughter or great-granddaughter of any current member, explained Schmidt. For more information on how to join the American Legion Auxiliary, stop by the American Legion in downtown Kimball for a sign-up brochure.
