Commemorate, Educate and Serve Sixth Annual Gathering of GOLD STAR PARENTS In Memory
YHIS PAST FEBRUARY, WE HELD OUR sixth annual Gold Star Parents series of events, with more than 300 par- ents and family members attending to commemorate the loss of 100 chil- dren. The reason we hold the Gold Star Parents events is because the families whose sons and daughters are serving in the current wars are often isolated from the rest of our society. This is particularly true of the par- ents of men and women killed while serving in the military. We call these parents “Gold Star Parents”. We are blessed that we have the East Bay Chapter of the Blue Star Moms to help us with the programs. Some years ago, these Blue Star Moms approached us and asked us to help create an event to assist Gold Star Parents to network with other Gold Star parents. The result was a 2½ day event in September 2006 where the Gold Star Parents gathered at the Marines’ Memorial for grief coun- seling and networking. Our sixth series of events was held Thursday– Saturday, 17-19 February 2011. On Thursday, we began with a reception where the Gold Star Parents set up tables showing pictures of their child at 6 months, 6 years, 16 years and/or graduation from Boot Camp. Nearly 300 invited guests toured each of the tables to talk with the parents,
giving the parents the opportunity to tell them about their son or daughter.
Included in the series of events was a Memorial Service in the Club’s theater on Friday. In addi- tion to the Gold Star Parents, many supporters attended the service. A joint color guard posted the colors. Our Guest of Honor for this Gold Star Parents event, Lieutenant General Tom Wald- hauser USMC, presented Gold Star Banners to the Gold Star Parents. Erich Stratmann sang “The Lord’s Prayer” and “An American Hymn”. A mov- ing slide presentation with pictures of all the fallen put faces with the names and brought the packed theater audience to tears.
After the Memorial Service, the parents attend- ed break-out sessions with grief counselors and psychologists where they could share their experiences and stories, helping them to cope with the grief of losing a child. That evening, the Association hosted a dinner for the Gold Star Parents. After the dinner, Gen Waldhauser, the Commanding General of the I Marine Expedi- tionary Force and the Command-
Continues on next page Crossroads Spring 2011 7
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