Rogers County Blue Star Mothers collected holiday donations for military men and women serving overseas at Claremore’s Pecan and Fun festival on Saturday.
This is the time of year their donations change to Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas meals.
The festival started with a flag ceremony. Festival workers and veterans attending helped raise a large American flag 100 feet into the air using a crane operated by the father of a military serviceman.
Sheriff Scott Walton also said a few words to remind the county about the importance of giving to our military during what may be the hardest time for them to be away from their loved ones.
“With him being deployed, I have learned they really need things from home,” said Danette Boston, as she talked about her son T.J. Boley who serves in the United States Marine Corp. He had been home on leave from Afghanistan but left Saturday morning back to his station in South Carolina.
“My son was super elated when we sent his whole unit boxes (while he was in Afghanistan); he sent us pictures with the boxes,” said Boston. “They were so excited! It was like Christmas!”
Another Rogers County Blue Star Mother, Martha Joslin, knows the importance of sending the troops something specifically reminding them their families are thinking of them during the holidays.
“We don’t want people to get we still have a war on,” said Joslin. “People are still fighting for our freedom during the holidays and sometimes it can be a challenge for everyone stateside to remember that.”
