Military moms honor family at Virginia War Memorial

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - Dozens of military moms were at the Virginia War Memorial, decorating a very special Christmas tree. It's a tribute made possible by the Blue Star families military service organization.

"We understand what that mother is feeling without even saying a word," said Blue Star Mom, Teresa Sumners."

Sumners and about 40 other moms proudly hung ornaments on this hero tree - a reflection of pride and honor. Sumner's oldest son served four years in the army and her youngest was in the National Guard.

The women here decorated an ornament - each one with a special meaning. Whether they have children who are enlisted, in the reserves, or died while serving - they can all connect on a common ground.

"We can talk about things no one else wants to hear anymore about our children and we do," said Eileen Osmolski. "We might share the same story over and over again. It doesn't matter because we understand and we have these same feelings."

Osmolski lost her son, John, during a combat operation mission in Iraq several years ago. Saturday is especially important to her.

The Richmond chapter of Blue Star Families donated a brick for John in the "Walkway of Honor." He never made the Virginia Wall of Honor because he's from out-of-state. Osmolski lives in Richmond now and she wants to honor her son here.

"It's an honor my son will have a place of memory and honor here in Virginia where I now live and also that my blue star sister moms loved me enough to do this for me," Osmolski noted.

The motherly love and fellowship here continues to bond these women together.

"We can just find out about each other's sons and daughters where they are, what they're doing, and just being able to be with each other, being with somebody who cares," Sumners added.

Copyright 2012 WWBT NBC12. All rights reserved.