FORT CARSON, Colo. -- The ultimate sacrifice of those who've died in service to the country will forever be remembered in the sky. A ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy April 10 officially recognized the adoption of a star in honor of fallen heroes.
"Our adopted star is over a billion years old and is projected to burn for another five billion years. It stands, therefore, as an enduring reminder of our everlasting love for our fallen heroes," said Acting Senior Commander Col. Mike Tarsa, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson. "Remembering their sacrifice inspires us today and gives us hope for the future."
The ceremony held special significance for Adrienn Loughmiller. Her husband, Staff Sgt. Clint Loughmiller, died May 7, 2011, at Fort Bragg, N.C. When he was leaving for his first deployment to Iraq in 2003, he told her to look at the night sky when she was missing him.
"He told me that … when we look up to the sky in the night, we see the stars, and it's all the same stars that we see," she said. "Every time I missed him when he was gone, I just look up at the sky in the night and think of him. And he was doing the same, wherever he was."
Loughmiller, president of the Cheyenne Moun?tain Chapter of Gold Star Wives of America, spoke at the event.
"Today our fallen heroes are getting their own star dedicated to them. Their memories will forever live in our hearts and their stories will be told for many generations to come," she said. "The loved ones they left behind … will be able to just look up at the sky in the night and remember them and honor them for the ultimate sacrifice they have given for their country."
The ceremony, which honored fallen servicemembers from all branches of the military, was attended by more than 100 people.
"It's just amazing how many people actually came together for this special ceremony," Loughmiller said.
In addition to the speakers, members of the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society were available with telescopes for viewing. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate, and the skies were too overcast to see the star.
"(Weather) is a hard thing to predict sometimes, especially in the spring, but we're still set up. We still answer questions," said Bruce Bookout, a member of the society.
The initiative to name a star began almost two years ago with Survivor Outreach Services at Fort Carson.
"It's a great way to honor our fallen heroes and their Families, something meaningful," said Angela Gunn, SOS program manager.
Social Sharing