Gold Star Mothers Honored at VFW

Sunday, September 26th was National Gold Star Recognition Day, and locally it was observed by the VFW Auxiliary at Buster Deo Post 4067. Two Gold Star Mothers were honored and their loss was acknowledged; mothers who lose a son or daughter in combat are Gold Mothers. Annually, the last Sunday in September is designated as this day.

Mae Walsh was honored in a quick ceremony, due to Covid restrictions, at the Hi-Line Retirement Center, where she resides. Auxiliary President Kari Hould pinned a golden corsage on her in honor of her son, Truman Walsh, who was killed in Vietnam in February of 1969. Also attending to honor her were Mellissa Sandvick, Carolyn Schmoeckel and Cheryl Wallace.

Later in the afternoon friends and family gathered to recognize and honor Mellissa Sandvick as a Gold Star Mother. Retired Colonel Donald Klinko gave a reading in honor of Jeremy Sandvick Monroe who gave his life for our country while serving with the Marines in Iraq.Mellissa gave a reading and tribute in honor of her son. Carolyn Schmoeckel closed the program with a poem, "I Am Here" and refreshments were served.