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LONG BEACH, CALIF. - The survivors of fallen service members
deserve our nation's love and remembrance. The close relatives of
fallen service members are known as the American Gold Star Families.
On Feb. 13, 2016, several of these families, who have already given
more than anyone should ever have to, joined together to connect
with each other, and to write personal Valentine's Day letters to
their fallen family member and to other American Gold Star Families.
Raena Granberry, the Southern California Region Survivor
Outreach Services Support Coordinator, organized this second annual
Valentine's Day event to honor and celebrate lost service members
through expressions of love at the American Gold Star Manor, Long
Beach, California. She said, "We appreciate the families and the
sacrifice they've made. We want to honor their service member."
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The Southern California Region Survivor Outreach Services
support coordinator, Raena Granberry, celebrates lost loved ones
with families of fallen service members through expressions of love
at the American Gold Star Manor, Long Beach, Calif., Feb. 13, 2016. (Image
created by USA Patriotism! from U.S. Army photo by Lt. Col. Gregg Moore)
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In addition to writing letters, the families each shared
intimate stories about their fallen service member.
Understandably, several family members became very emotional
as they related their cherished memories. The families
listened to one another tell about some of the favorite
activities of their lost loved ones.
Lt. Col. Bettina
Avent and Maj. Mark Cisco, chaplain, both of the Army
Reserve's 79th Sustainment Support Command, enjoyed the
privilege of joining the American Gold Star Families. Cisco
opened and closed the event with an invocation and
benedictions focused on the Gold Star Families. Avent shared
her own feelings about losing a close friend in combat and
showed her gratitude to the families. Avent quoted the
Bible, saying, "There is no greater love than one who lays
down his life."
Avent said she hopes this annual
event will grow, “When Soldiers are deployed, many
organizations and people show support by mailing care
packages and letters. We want to do something similar. Every
February, we plan to write letters to the families of the
fallen to create an outpouring of support to honor the
families of the Soldiers who showed the greatest love by
laying down their life in service to our nation. We also
want to give survivors an opportunity to share memories of
their loved one.”
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American Gold Star Parents tell about the son they lost in combat to
other families of fallen service members at a Survivor Outreach
Services Valentine's Day event in Long Beach, Calif., Feb. 13, 2016. (Image
created by USA Patriotism! from U.S. Army photo by Lt. Col. Gregg Moore)
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The event concluded with the participants pledging to
rally together next year for such a noble and worthy cause.
"We want to create a support network of like-minded
families," said Granberry.
By U.S. Army Lt. Col. Gregg Moore
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2016
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