‘Because of them, we have freedom”

Blue Star moms gather to honor their children, heroes

KAYENTA

For nearly a decade, U.S. Marines Sgt. Richard Yazzie Jr. missed his birthday party that he shares with two of his sisters.

“His birthday is in November,” said Yazzie’s mom, Louise Yazzie. “He’s never there.”

Yazzie, who for the past nine years has been serving the country, re-enlisted and is now stationed in Yuma, Ariz. It’s possible, he’ll miss another birthday party.

When he comes home to the Navajo Nation, his mom says, she’ll be jumping for joy. But in the meantime, she’s looking forward to her son’s weekly calls every Sunday.

“I’ll be at ease when he returns,” said Louise, a Blue Star Mom, meaning she is a mom whose child (or children are) is serving or have served in the Armed Forces.

A number of Blue Star Moms from the area on Monday convened a flag-raising ceremony at the Kayenta Veterans Park where the Kayenta Veterans Organization acknowledged the many men and women who gave their lives defending the liberty and the freedom the U.S. flag represented.

Marion Todecheene says as a mother, seeing one’s child render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag, that child is putting or has put their entire life aside to serve the country.

“I really believe that it’s because of them that we have this freedom,” said Marion, who’s son, Ricky Todecheene Jr., is a retired U.S. Marines sergeant. “I’m a very proud mom, (though), in the beginning I was afraid.”

Regardless of whether their child is currently deployed, Blue Star Moms say, moms of military need spiritual reinforcement and spiritual ammunition against attacks on their faith and hope.

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