‘Incredibly humbling and quite an honor’

LEOMINSTER — Members of city-based Capt. John Joslin Jr. chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution recently presented their annual Community Service Award to Rosemarie “Rose” Annese of Blue Star Mothers Massachusetts Chapter 1.

“There is no person more deserving than Rose. She gives of herself without hesitation to any task or opportunity that champions those who have made sacrifices for our freedom,” said DAR chapter Vice Regent Sharon Bouchard, who co-founded the local Blue Star Mothers chapter with Annese.

Annese was honored during the group’s annual Good Citizens awards luncheon held on March 7 at the Leominster Veterans Center. Bouchard said the DAR chapter “celebrated Rose and her service, which reflects the very best of community spirit” and shared that the Community Service Award recognizes worthy individuals and organizations for outstanding voluntary service.

“This can be through voluntary heroic, civic or benevolent service, or by organizing or participating in community activities, and the achievement must have taken place within the past five years with no compensation,” Bouchard noted, adding that the nomination for Annese gained approval from the Massachusetts State Society DAR community service chair after submission by Capt. John Joslin Jr. chapter Community Service Chair Elaine Perreault.

A fellow Blue Star Mother, Bouchard said Annese was selected to be this year’s award recipient for many reasons.

“Rose was recognized for her selfless service as a co-founder of the Blue Star Mothers MA Chapter 1 and activities over the past 20 years,” Bouchard relayed. “She is currently the first vice president, membership chair, the Blue to Gold Liaison, and has been providing support to active-duty military members, their families and veterans. Rose knows how important it is for our military to receive care packages and not only packs them but helps to fundraise to assure all the needs are met.

“Some of the many duties Rose has performed is to visit injured in hospitals, recognize veteran milestones with certificates and visits, help to pin Vietnam veterans during the 50-year anniversary Welcome Home campaign, volunteers at the Central Western Mass VA as a deputy representative, and helps coordinate meals for veterans at NEADS who are training with their service dogs,” Bouchard continued. “This does not even scratch the surface of all she has contributed!”

A Newton native who relocated to Millbury 25 years ago, Annese said that after her son Jarrod was deployed to Iraq in 2003 as an Army infantry soldier, she “was seeking support amongst other mothers in a similar situation.” After doing some research online, she joined the Blue Star Mothers of America the following year.

“At the time there wasn’t a local chapter in Massachusetts,” Annese disclosed. “In 2005 Sharon contacted me to discuss the opportunity of forming a chapter here. We did not know each other, however, we were kindred spirits as military moms. Our meeting was serendipitous.”

On July 6, 2006, they officially became charter members for the first Blue Star Mothers chapter in the state, and the Leominster-based group has only grown since then.

“As a member of Blue Star Mothers, I have made lifelong friendships and met amazing heroes,” Annese said. “Of most importance to me is the distinct honor and privilege of serving as the Blue to Gold Liaison. We can never forget the service and sacrifice of our fallen heroes and their families.”

She went on to say her son “proudly served in the Army for four years” and is now a veteran. When asked what it means to her to receive the Capt. John Joslin, Jr. chapter Community Service Award, Annese said “it is incredibly humbling and quite an honor for me.”

“The opportunity to serve the military and veteran community as well as earn the respect of my peers is something I am very grateful for,” she expressed. “Honestly, I don’t feel I deserve any accolades. I’m just a mother who cares deeply and sincerely about the needs of our troops, veterans and their families.”