As the sun began to rise in the east, casting a pink glow in the sky, Soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division raised the Gold Star flag for the first time on Fort Riley to honor Gold Star Spouse's Day April 5.
"It's to recognize the families of fallen Soldiers," said Mike Schack, Survival Outreach Services financial counselor. "Traditionally in past history, families would post the Gold Star flag in the window when a service member had fallen in their family. My goal is for this to become a recognized symbol."
Gold Star wife Kristy Robinson and her daughter, Summer, 7, were there to witness the occasion. Robinson's late husband, Sgt. Jesse E. Robinson, who served with Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion.
"It shows me that they're remembering our Soldiers who have passed on and letting other people know about them," Robinson said. "They're not forgotten. It gets other people to ask the question what is that flag and what does it mean, and remind them about so many Soldiers who have given their lives for our country."
Robinson's husband lost his battle to post-traumatic stress disorder when their daughter was 9 months old. Robinson said it's important for her to be able to talk with people, especially those in division headquarters and higher. She wants to help other people so it won't happen to them.
Command Sgt. Maj. James Collins, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Riley, and Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Cornelison, senior noncommissioned officer for the 1st Inf. Div., were there to help raise the Gold Star flag. It was special for Robinson to have Cornelison there, as her late husband had worked as a division command sergeant major's aide before he passed.
The Gold Star flag may be flown on the flagpole with the American flag due to approval of the Service Flag Exception to Policy Request, which will last through Dec. 31, 2017.
The flag will be raised on post at building 580 for multiple occasions throughout the year, including Gold Star Mother's Day in September.
For more information about Gold Star families and Survival Outreach Services, contact Army Community Services at 785-239-9435.
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