A Gold Star veteran was a member of the Armed Forces of the United States who died or was killed while serving in the military. Those who have died in the line of duty have sacrificed everything. They are initially mourned by the community. But time passes and, over time, they are sometimes forgotten.

These fallen heroes are honored in many communities with a Gold Star Memorial. The monuments are in honor of those who died, but most significantly they are in honor of the sacrifice made by the families – the loved ones left behind. A Gold Star Family member can be any relative: mother, father, stepmother, stepfather, adoptive or foster parents, wife, husband, child, stepchild, adopted child, brothers, sisters, half brothers or sisters, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces or nephews who have sacrificed a loved one for us. Monuments provide a place to remind us of their sacrifice as well as a quiet, reflective space for family members to gather.

There are currently over 150 monuments in 50 US states and 1 US Territory. In Tennessee, there are 4: one in Knoxville at the East TN Veterans Cemetery; at the Veterans Park and Memorial in Kingsport; at Fort Campbell in Clarksville; and at Liberty Park in Memphis. Monuments are made of black granite and are two-sided. The front side says: “Gold Star Families Memorial Monument, a tribute to Gold Star Families and Relatives who sacrificed a Loved One for our Freedom”. At the center of the stunning black granite is a silhouette cutout of a saluting service member, symbolizing those who paid the ultimate price. The reverse side of the monument has 4 panels each representing Homeland, Family, Patriot, and Sacrifice.

The US Military recognizes that families who have lost their loved ones are going to have a difficult time emotionally, psychologically, financially and even physically. Families live daily with the heartache of this loss. “America’s Gold Star Families was founded to provide honor, hope and healing to those grieving any military loss”. (https://www.americasgoldstarfamilies.org/what-we-do/) They are a vital part of our military community and history. The families of the fallen do receive some support which may include bereavement counseling, a death gratuity in the case of a service-related injury causing death, educational assistance, home loans and other assistance.

There is no concise data base that will list the Union County veterans who passed while in service. I would be very interested in learning of any Union County Gold Star veterans and Gold Star families.

Memorial Day is an appropriate day to remember the brave men and women who have served in our nation's armed forces and those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms. This weekend and always, let us not forget their memories.  To remember those who have passed, those who have served and those who have fallen in service. And to be thankful.