Georgia Military College (GMC) honored the families of fallen military service members throughout the month of September.
During their Patriot Day Ceremony, on Sept. 11, GMC laid a wreath as a symbol of respect and gratitude for all Patriots and spoke about the importance of never forgetting the sacrifices of both those who lost their lives fighting and those who are still fighting for the United States.
“On September 11, we had the privilege of honoring all Patriots at our Patriot Day ceremony with Governor Brian Kemp and the First Lady,” wrote Lieutenant General William B. Caldwell, IV, president of Georgia Military College, in an email shared to The Baldwin Bulletin.
Then, on Sept. 22, GMC hosted its Constitution Day and Gold Star Remembrance Parade.
Gold Star Family Day is on the last Sunday in September (Sept. 24, 2023) and honors the mothers, fathers, and families of fallen military service members.
Constitution Day is on Sept. 17 and commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787.
“At Georgia Military College, we come together as a family to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and the loved ones left behind.
This solemn occasion provides us an opportunity to reflect on the profound impact these Patriots have had on our lives and our nation,” wrote Caldwell.
On the Georgia Military College Facebook page, two students and their families were honored as part of Gold Star Family Day for the loss of their fathers in service.
The post reads, “Kade Horne’s father, Senior Chief Petty Officer Terrel Horne, dedicated his life to protecting our shores as a member of the U.S.
Coast Guard. Madison French’s father, Staff Sergeant Alex Finch, IV, proudly served our nation in Afghanistan as a member of the Georgia Army National Guard’s 48th Brigade.”
Georgia Military College continuously strives to honor those who serve and support their families throughout the year. GMC stresses the importance of remembering and honoring the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and coming together to honor the memory of the person each of these families lives on for.
“As we commemorate Gold Star Family Day and Remembrance Week, let us come together as a community to remember, honor, and support the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” wrote Caldwell. “Our shared commitment to keeping their memories alive and supporting the Gold Star families among us is a testament to the values of duty, honor, and love of the country that define Georgia Military College.”
As part of the Gold Star Families Remembrance Week Resolution from Sept. 24-30, citizens were asked to perform acts of service and goodwill within their communities and to celebrate the lives of those who made the “ultimate sacrifice so that others can continue to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
This is a reminder of what the public can do throughout the year in memory and support of the fallen.
“A gold star symbolizes a family member who died in the line of duty while serving the United States Armed Forces.
The families of the fallen members of the Armed Forces and the families of veterans should never be forgotten,” states the Gold Star Families Remembrance Week Resolution.