PEORIA (25News Now) – Gold Star Families is a non-profit organization founded in Peoria that assists grieving people who have lost a loved one in active duty service.
Saturday, they held their 9th annual commemoration ceremony to remember the fallen soldiers and to serve their families.
The Founder and Executive Director of America’s Gold Star Families, Patti Latch, says she wants people to know they don’t have to carry this burden alone.
“I have two marine sons, and back in 2005 and 2007, during the height of the Iraqi war, they served, at one time they served, they were over in Iraq at the same time, they came home safely, but ever since then, I just felt called to be an advocate for those whose loved ones did not come home,” Latch said.
Latch said they wanted to do something locally but have achieved a national outreach level.
She says she wants families to know we’re thinking of them as they navigate this life with broken hearts and adds that Gold Star Families is a safe place where they can heal.
The commemoration ended with a yellow rose ceremony where families laid a yellow rose at the base of their hero’s service flag to remember their sacrifice.
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