Lehigh County Gold Star Mother to Join Rep. Wild at National Prayer Breakfast

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Susan Wild (PA-07) announced that Carol Resh, an American Gold Star Mother from Lehigh County, will join her at tomorrow’s National Prayer Breakfast. Her son, U.S. Army Captain Mark T. Resh was killed in action during a reconnaissance mission on January 28,2007. Flying an Apache helicopter, he protected other airmen by taking on fire on his own aircraft. Captain Resh was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star for his actions that day. Prior to his service, Captain Resh grew up in the Lehigh Valley, attending Northwestern Lehigh High School and the University of Pittsburgh. 

“Captain Resh lived a truly heroic life,” Wild said. “It is my privilege to attend this year’s National Prayer Breakfast with his mother, Carol, and honor his extraordinary life of service. As a mother, I can only begin to imagine the anguish of losing a child. Her sacrifice – and the sacrifice of Gold Star families across this country – is immeasurable. Our nation is forever indebted to the selfless bravery of these servicemembers and their families.”

“All Mark did was make us proud parents,” Resh said. “American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. is an organization no mother wants to be able to join, but it is an organization where we can support each other, honor and help all veterans, all while keeping our children’s memories alive. It is an honor to be invited to the National Prayer breakfast to meet the leaders of our nation and pray together as one.”

American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. is a nondenominational, non-profitable, and nonpolitical organization of American mothers who have lost sons or daughters in service of armed forces. Through the strength of their fellowship, they honor the memories of their children, work to help veterans, those currently serving in the military and their families, and their communities. 

This year will mark the 68th annual National Prayer Breakfast. Each year, more than 3,000 people attend the event, and every president since President Dwight Eisenhower in 1952 has participated.

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