JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va –
Members of the Fort Eustis, Virginia, community observed Gold Star Mother's Day with a ceremony and a candle-lighting at the Regimental Memorial Chapel, Sept. 28.
Gold Star Mother's Day is celebrated on the last Sunday of September each year for people to recognize and honor those who have lost a son or daughter who served in the United States Armed Forces.
According to www.Army.mil, the term 'Gold Star family' is a modern reference that comes from the Service Flag. These flags and banners were first flown by families during World War I. The flag included a blue star for every immediate family member serving in the Armed Forces of the United States, during any period of war or hostilities in which the United States was engaged. If that loved one died, the blue star was replaced by a gold star. This allowed members of the community to know the price the family paid in the fight for freedom.
During the ceremony, U.S. Army Col. William Galbraith, 733rd Mission Support Group commander, read this year's presidential proclamation.
"For generations, mothers and families have given a piece of their heart to our nation as their loved ones serve in our Armed Forces with honor and distinction," read Galbraith. "Hung in these families' front windows, blue-turned-gold stars remind us of their extraordinary loss and reflect not only the pride still in their eyes, but also the tears of pain that will never fully go away. Our Gold Star families hold dear to the values for which their loved ones gave their lives. With courage and resilience, they preserve the memories of the brave men and women we have lost by giving back to their communities and working toward a better future. As a Nation, we will always honor the sacrifice these families have made."
In addition to Galbraith reading the proclamation, Brig. Gen. Christopher McPadden, U.S. Army Capabilities Integration Center, Concept Development and Learning Directorate director, gave remarks to the families before cutting a cake with the mothers in attendance.
During his remarks, McPadden greeted each family and read a letter from a Service member to his mother.
The letter was written for the mother before a deployment, with the hope she would never have to read it.
"Thank you for all you have done to raise me into the man and Soldier I am," McPadden read. "I love you dearly now and always, your son,"
After the letter was read, McPadden concluded by thanking the Gold Star Mothers.
"Our Army and the nation will never forget the ultimate sacrifice made by your loved ones. When the nation needed them most, they raised their right hands and answered the call of duty and fought to defend our sacred liberties. Nor will we forget your care, support and needs as a member of our Army Family." said McPadden. "God bless you, our Gold Star Mothers, keep watch over our fallen Soldiers and may God bless our great nation."