6 minute read
Gold Star Memorial Highway
By Rudy Lopez DIRECTOR, WASHINGTON STATE VETERANS CEMETERY
Eastern Washington veterans secured a permanent tribute to honor state and regional service members who’ve died in service to their county, while recognizing surviving family members, now Gold Star Families, thrust into a difficult journey as a result of their loss.
On Sept. 16, 2020, the Washington State Transportation Commission adopted a resolution to designate State Route 902 the “Gold Star Memorial Highway.”
Members of the Eastern Washington Veterans Task Force, the state’s oldest veteran support coalition, took up this initiative as a means of honoring the fallen and their families along the 12 mile stretch of SR 902. The significance of SR 902 is that it serves as the primary route traveled to reach the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake. This site is the final resting place for over 6,300 veterans and family members.
The concept of dedicating this section of roadway came about as a means of commemorating the cemetery’s tenth year of service. And doing so in a manner of solemnity that would forever reflect on the service and sacrifice of countless soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen that have served their nation with honor and distinction, and made the ultimate sacrifice. They answered the nation’s call and gave their life in its defense. They are among the very best of America, putting their own personal lives on hold to ensure the freedom of every American is preserved. Not only securing our domestic tranquility but ensuring America remains a shining city on a hill for the world to see as a beacon of hope.
The term Gold Star reminds us they were more than soldiers. They were sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, spouses and parents. They are heroes to all
ASSOCIATED PRESS
The parents of U.S. Army 1st Lt. Salvatore S. Corma, of Wenonah, N.J., Salvatore S. Corma Sr., seated left in wheelchair, and Trudy Corma watch a U.S. Army Honor Guard raise the American flag from the casket of their son during a funeral service at Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery on May 12, 2010, in Williamstown, N.J.
those closest to them, whose pain of loss is unimaginable. No one can ever prepare themselves for what becomes an earthshattering knock on the door, with military officials having come to inform them of their loved one’s loss.
Who are Gold Star survivors? The phrase “Gold Star” originated in World War I, when military families displayed flags with a blue star for each family member serving in the Armed Forces. The star’s color changed to gold if the family lost a loved one in the war. In 1928, the Gold Star Mothers organization was formed as a means of supporting one another in their grief, and remembering their soldier. Since 1936, the last Sunday in September has been designated as National Gold Star Mother’s Day to honor and remember the fallen. In 1945, the Gold Star Wives of America was formed; in 1947 the Gold Star Lapel Pin was created. The pin features a gold star on a purple circular background, worn only by immediate family members of service members killed in combat. In 1973, the Department of Defense recognized the need and created a similar Next-of-Kin Deceased Personnel Lapel Pin to honor service members who lost their lives serving, but did not die in combat. Whether the loss was due to accident, illness or a result of PTSD the death is just as painful to survivors.
These warriors became heroes the moment they took the oath to defend and protect our nation against all enemies foreign or domestic to those closest to them. They each eagerly accepted the Warrior Ethos of never leaving a warrior behind, regardless of the consequence. The Department of Defense cites over 7,000 service members have died in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars alone, and well over 16,000 have been lost in non-combat circumstances over in same period.
America has thousands of surviving Gold Star Family members who lost loved ones in WWI, WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam, and other conflicts over the last 100 years. It matters not whether a service member’s death was combat related or occurred in the line of duty, stateside or overseas. The Gold Star Family member designation belongs equally to all survivors for their warrior’s courage, honor and commitment.
We should never thank or congratulate anyone for the Gold Star moniker, for any Gold Star family member would gladly trade the title to have and hold their loved one once again. Instead we should embrace them for their selfless courage and tremendous sacrifice. We should assure them they do not walk this journey alone. And most importantly we should never forget. Never forget
“I have a medical background; 27 of my 30 years in the Air Force were in the medical field. One of my greatest privileges was to serve in combat theaters in this capacity, serving those who ran toward danger. The toughest yet most important thing I ever did was to stay with dying warriors until they could breathe no more – holding their hand until the end, when family couldn’t be there. What we do here is on an equal plane in terms of importance to me. I’ve lost friends, coworkers and subordinates. This initiative is how we continue to honor them all from our small corner of the world.”
the names of those lost in military service. They were more than soldiers, they were people with lives, hopes, dream and families. The consequence of their untimely fate shatters their survivors’ dreams as well, and thrusts them into an inordinate amount of uncertainty and pain. They must learn how to make sense of what has occurred, how to cope with the loss, and how to carry it forward.
Through simple acts of recognition and support such as the naming of SR 902, we can all pay tribute to fallen heroes and those who live with their loss. The important act of naming this highway assures Gold Star families, friends, and battle buddies, their hero will never be forgotten, and their decision to serve will always be honored and remembered, serving as a noble example to others.
The Eastern Washington Veterans Task Force wishes to thank members of the Washington State Transportation Commission and staff for considering this initiative, for allowing testimony and ultimately unanimously approving this simple yet meaningful act. A very special thanks to Representative Marcus Riccelli for sponsoring this initiative within the legislature and for getting this before the commission, along with area state and federal elected officials for their letters of support. We would also like to acknowledge former Mayor David Condon, local Chambers of Commerce and the countless veteran organizations and individuals for their endorsements.
COURTESY PHOTOS
The Gold Star Lapel Pin, top left, was created in 1947 for family of service members who died in combat. In 1973, the Department of Defense created a Next-of-Kin Deceased Personnel Lapel Pin, top right, to honor service members who lost their lives serving, but did not die in combat.
This initiative would not have been possible without local and statewide support.
In the coming months members of the Task Force will be working with the Department of Transportation on signage, and plan to hold a dedication ceremony once coronavirus pandemic gathering restrictions ease, so that we always remember the costs of freedom and especially those who bear them.
At bottom left, the Warrior Ethos, a set of principles that guides soldiers in the U.S. Army, is inscribed on a keepsake dog tag.
