Woman’s Club Celebrates Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month and the Woman’s Club members heard a moving and informative presentation from a remarkable, brave and busy woman. Lee-Ann Forsythe, who is the National Service Officer for the American Gold Star Mothers, the Southwest Florida Chapter First Vice President and Treasurer, and a former marine, was back on Marco to speak to the Marco Island Woman’s Club members at its March lunch meeting. 

Lee-Ann is active in both volunteer organizations to honor her son Mark, a third generation Marine, who died in March 2010, and to serve her local community. She is excited about two upcoming Gold Star events - a local Women Veterans Recognition event scheduled for April 10th at Lakes Park, Fort Myers and the June 2022 National Gold Star Convention in West Palm Beach, which will feature the VietNam Traveling Memorial Wall and a Veteran Stand Down event for homeless veterans in need of VA services. 

The Club set a Missing Man Table and Ms. Forsythe explained the symbolism of each item:

The table is (usually) round, to show everlasting concern.

The cloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to serve.

The single red rose is a reminder of the lives of the missing and their loved ones who keep the faith while seeking answers.

The red ribbon symbolizes the blood of the fallen.

The candle represents everlasting hope for their return.

A slice of lemon is a reminder of the bitter fate of those captured or missing in a foreign land.

A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears of the missing and their families.

The glass is inverted to symbolize their inability to share a toast.

The chair is empty because loved ones are still missing. The table often has six chairs or place settings to represent the six branches of the military.

She further explained that the Gold Star Mothers wear white uniforms to symbolize their hope and strength in honoring their children’s lives in light and not in darkness.

The Club holds monthly lunch meetings at the Marco Island Yacht Club on the first Wednesday of the month, October thru May. We invite you to attend a lunch meeting as a paid guest ($41) to learn more about us in person. To attend a meeting or get membership information, contact Membership Chair, Caitlin Robinson Carlson, at MIWCEL@gmail.com or 239-692-5619. 

View our website at www.marcowomansclub.com and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarcoWomansClub.