US ARMY PRESS RELEASE: Army invites community to honor surviving mothers, families

Posted on Sep 24, 2015 in Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii (Sept. 24, 2015) – Community members are invited to join the Army in honoring mothers and families of fallen service members during a ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Sunday, at 1 p.m.

The ceremony, which takes place on Gold Star Mother’s and Families Day, is one of countless events nationwide to remember, respect and honor the sacrifices of the fallen and their families.

During the ceremony, Gold Star Mothers and Families will place the boots of their loved ones at the foot of the Lady Columbia statue. The statue stands on a hill overlooking the cemetery and represents all grieving mothers of the Armed Forces, as she vigilantly watches over the fallen.

Unique this year, organizers plan to end the event by having participants join together more than 400 individual, open-ended lei to form one large “Lei of Remembrance”. Those who wish to participate in the “Lei of Remembrance” are welcome to bring their own fresh open lei and are asked to be at the cemetery by 12:15 p.m.

“It takes a special kind of strength to survive so great a loss.” said Col. Richard Fromm, commander, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii, and ceremony host. “They bear a burden each and every day, yet they resolve to carry on; they inspire us. We owe all survivors our utmost gratitude, respect and support. Never forget their sacrifices; never forget the Soldier who fills their hearts.”

Mothers of fallen service members began calling themselves Gold Star Mothers during World War I. The name was derived from the custom of military families putting a small flag in their home’s front window. The flag featured a star for each family member serving in the Armed Forces-living members denoted by a blue star, and a gold star honoring family members killed in the line of duty. Today, Gold Star Mothers and Families include anyone whose loved one has died while serving in the Armed Forces.

Media Note: Interested media should contact the USAG-HI Public Affairs

Office to attend the event or request photographs. Please R.S.V.P. no later

than 4 p.m., Sept. 25.

Contact:

Dennis Drake, 808-226-2706

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