USA's Oldest Gold Star Mother in Aitkin, MN

Celebrates 109th Birthday

May, 2007 -- Myrtle Weston is a resident at the Aitkin Health Services facility and is now the oldest living Gold Star Mother in the United States. We celebrated her 109th birthday on May 12 with 60 of her family and friends, as well our staff and other residents, for a total of 150 in attendance. The color guard from the American Legion and VFW of Aitkin opened the ceremony with Gerry Rudelich singing the national anthem and other songs throughout the program. We also had a National Guard Specialist attending to represent the present military. Lakeland News, the local public radio station, featured her in a segment on Monday, May 14. Willard Scott also said "Happy Birthday" on the Today Show on Thursday, May 17. We will be taking the facility van to Nisswa on Memorial Day with Myrtle and our other vets. The Governor will be presenting a program and including her as a VIP, seating her in the front and taking a picture with her. 4 family members will also attend. Following is a short bio on Myrtle. We will send a picture of Myrtle with the Governor and some of the party following the ceremony on Monday. Thanks!

Myrtle Weston was born on May 12, 1898 in Chicago, Illinois into a family of 13 children. She married her late husband, Charles, in 1921, and they had 11 children. She had 5 sons who served in WW2. Her son Myrle was 20 when killed in action while in the Army. Since then she has had several other grandchildren and great grandchildren serving in the military for a total of 19, 3 of whom are now in Iraq.

Myrtle's youngest son, Kenneth, had Down's Syndrome. Myrtle's goal was to out-live him so she could care for him. She achieved that goal as he passed when he was 50.  Myrtle was an avid writer, journaling and writing poetry. She credits her long life to a wonderful husband and marriage, dear children, and her strong faith in God and prayer. Life wasn't always easy but she has always had a positive attitude and a great sense of humor.  The family is anticipating the completion of a new monument in Washington, D.C., in about 5 years, in memory of the Gold Star Mothers. Myrtle and her son Myrtle will be featured.

For More Information Contact:

St. Francis Health Services
801 Nevada Avenue, Morris,  MN 56267
Tel: 320-559-4900