A Gold Star For Gold Star Moms

Gold Star Moms, which is a support group of mothers who have lost their children in military action, have finally changed rules Monday to allow non-citizens to join the organization. The group had come under heavy criticism after denying membership to Ligaya Lagman of Yonkers, NY, whose son, 27-year old Army Staff Sgt. Anthony Lagman was killed in combat.

The 1929 charter of American Gold Star Mothers, a Washington, D.C., group of about 1,200 mothers, had prevented non-citizen mothers from joining. Earlier this year, the organization's 12-member executive board voted against changing the rule.

That prevented Ligaya Lagman, of Yonkers, from joining, although she is a legal resident and her son, 27-year-old son Army Staff Sgt. Anthony Lagman, was a U.S. citizen.

After hearing about Lagman's interest in joining, New York Gov. George Pataki and other lawmakers urged the group to change its rules.

Good move on the part of this organization. This soldier represents the best that the US has to offer, both to citizens and noncitizens alike. He made the Supreme sacrifice for the rest of us, and we should rightfully honor and respect his family. She should be welcomed with open arms into the Gold Star Moms group for her son's sacrifice.