Westchester Honors the Families of the Fallen at Gold Star Ceremony
Westchester County paid its respects to the families of fallen service members at the County’s Annual Gold Star Mothers and Families Tribute Ceremony on last month.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and Veterans Service Agency Director Josh Gaccione were joined by local veterans, officials and military families for the ceremony, which included a special salute to each of the 17 fallen servicemembers lost during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom who are memorialized at the Kensico Dam Plaza Walk of Honor.
Tuckahoe’s Yoselin Brice, Air Force veteran and Gold Star spouse, who continues to serve the community as a Veterans Service Officer, shared with the gathering her personal story of finding joy, resilience and hope after the loss of her husband Navy Lt. Commander Charles E. Brice.
Veterans Service Agency Director Josh Gaccione said: “For those lost in service, their work is done, but for the loved ones they leave behind, their sacrifice is just beginning. Their endurance is a testament to human fortitude and personal courage. The courage of a Gold Star mom, to get up and face every new day living with the memory of their child’s sacrifice — that’s courage. The heroism of our Gold Star Families uniting to work for and support each other — that’s heroism. The bravery of those who didn’t ask for a Gold Star, carrying that emblem with dignity and honor — that’s bravery.”
Yoselin Brice said: “Our story is not simply about loss. It’s a story about resilience. It’s a story about finding joy again. It’s a story about learning that even after the darkest chapter of your life, there can still be beautiful chapters ahead….. To the Gold Star families here today I want you to know this: Your loved ones are not forgotten. Your sacrifice is not forgotten, and your stories matter.”
The tradition of wearing a gold star to signify a family member loss in service goes back to World War I. In 1936, Congress designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day, now known as Gold Star Mother’s and Families Day. After World War II, the Gold Star Lapel Pin was designated by Congress to be given to immediate family members of active-duty military killed in service.