On Sunday evening, my neighbors, my family and I participated
in the Gold Star Luminary Initiative. I was very excited to see over 200 Gold
Star bags light up our streets.
When I went around my neighborhood, handing out the pamphlets in the
weeks preceding the night, all of my neighbors were very receptive to
participate. Many of them generously offered to turn on the LED votive candles within
the bags. It was during my neighborhood visits, that I discovered that an
elderly neighbor had a much-loved brother sacrifice his life in military service
during World War II. She was thankful to know there was such an event to
honor and recognize all those who lost their own loved ones during military
service.
At sunset on that Sunday evening, all of my neighbors and my family exited
our homes. We all walked up and down the streets, taking pictures and
thinking on the sacrifice and paying our respects. On that evening, my
neighbors, my family and I sent out our gratitude to all the Gold Star
families who sacrificed so much, for so many.
All my neighbors agreed to continue the tradition on the last Sunday of
September to light up our streets. We all wish to continue paying our
respects, to honor and to offer our thanks to all Gold Star families.
I am most grateful to MarineParents.com to bring forth the awareness of the
Gold Star Luminary Initiative.
