New York leads the nation in honoring its Gold Star
Families, recognizing their sacrifice in support of this nation's ideals,
values, and freedoms. Governor Cuomo has ensured Gold Star Parents are a
priority for meaningful care and support, instituting a yearly increase for
Gold Star Parent Annuity recipients in 2018, as well as the creation and
expansion of the New York's Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute
- or MERIT - Scholarship for families of service members who lost their lives
while serving this nation.
"There can be no greater sacrifice than to give your
life while in service to your country," Governor Cuomo said. "But
military service is more than just the active military member - the entire
family is in service. Lighting our landmarks in honor of these families is the
least we can do to show our unwavering support for them and call attention to
their unimaginable sacrifice and loss."
Gold Star Families are those who have lost a loved one who
was serving during a time of conflict. The term "Gold Star" was used
during World War I and referred to a Gold Star being affixed over the Blue Star
of the United States Service Flag. The Gold Star Service Flag and Gold Star
Lapel Pin continue to identify those family members who have lost a loved one
in service to their nation.
Each year the last Sunday in September is nationally
recognized as Gold Star Families Day. This year the New York State Division of
Veterans' Services (DVS) will hold a ceremony commemorating and honoring the
sacrifices of Gold Star Families.
Jim McDonough, Director of the New York State Division of
Veterans' Services, said, "The families of those who serve are often those
who bare the heaviest burden. The loss of a family member who is serving our nation,
is an unimaginable loss. We honor these Gold Star Families and their service by
remembering the immense sacrifice that comes with our freedom."
DVS, along with its county partners and the heads of several
Gold Star organizations, will hold a luminary ceremony to begin at Lafayette
Park in Albany at the Gold Star Family Memorial. After, the ceremony will
transition to West Capitol Park by the reflection pool where DVS will
acknowledge the Gold Star Families in attendance and ask them to assist in
"lighting" 62 luminaries, one for each county in New York State. The
luminaries will remain lit throughout the night to honor these families.
All State Capitals across the country are invited to
participate in this day of remembrance by lighting luminaries to honor these
families' sacrifices.
