TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today honored the families and loved ones of service members who have lost their lives by attending the dedication of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument at Olathe Veteran’s Memorial Park.
At the unveiling, Governor Kelly read a proclamation she recently signed declaring September 27, 2020, as Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day in Kansas.
“Our country has fitting tributes to the members of our military who answer the call of duty, put service above self, and the many who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “But the loved ones our fallen servicemembers leave behind – our Gold Star Families – have endured the loss of these brave men and women, often without the recognition they deserve. This new monument is an appropriate honor for their courage and resilience.”
The proclamation details that in 1936, Congress designated the last Sunday in September as “Gold Star Mother’s Day,” which is now commonly known as “Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day,” to recognize and honor the entire family of our country’s fallen heroes.
The Olathe monument, made possible by the “Woody” Williams Foundation, is the first Gold Star Families Memorial monument in the State of Kansas.
The below photos are available for media use:
https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Gold-Star-4-1.jpg
https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Gold-Star-3-1.jpg
https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Gold-Star-2.jpg
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