September 25, 2015 •
U.S. Navy photos by MC3 Cody Babin
Coast Guard Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Peter Dietz delivers an invocation at the Fleet and Family Support Center on Sigsbee Park during Gold Star Remembrance Day Wednesday.
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Day. The annual event, on the last Sunday in September, was created to recognize and honor those who have lost a son, daughter, wife or husband while the were serving in the Armed Forces. At Wednesday’s ceremony Coast Guard Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Peter Dietz recognized the loss to families. “We give thanks for the military community that supports they families and remembers our fellow sisters and brothers who have died on active duty,” said Dietz. “The lives and deaths of those that have served with us and those that have gone before us have shaped us, and have become a part of who we are.” After the chaplain spoke, Naval Air Station Key West Commanding Officer Capt. Steve McAlearney gave a brief history on the service flag.
“The gold star flag started around World War I, when it was difficult to even receive news of a passing or a survival,” said McAlearney. “Today honors all lives lost since then, and Sunday honors their family members.” Following the captain, NAS Key West Command Master Chief Mark McDonald read the list of 19 south Florida service members lost while on active duty. Dietz then read the benediction to close the ceremony saying, “May they [the service members lost] guide us so all we do gives them honor.” The Navy Gold Star program provides long-term support to surviving families of Sailors who die while on active duty, according to Mary Petit, FFSC work and family consultant. The program is inclusive, regardless of branch, location or manner of death.The benefits offered to Gold Star families include healthcare and housing. More information can be found at NAS Key West Command Master Chief Mark McDonald reads the list of 19 south Florida www.navygoldstar.com. service members who lost their lives while on active duty.
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