ARLINGTON, VA (May 27, 2017) - - During several Memorial Day events, Gold Star family members demonstrated their mutual respect by honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of the nation.
Survivors from Japan, Hawaii and several other states visited Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery to show support for each other and listen to memories of the fallen, and later watched as leaders placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Joined by active duty Soldiers, who were members of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command's BOSS program, survivors later marched in the annual Memorial Day parade, while displaying a large Gold Star flag, a symbol in recognition and awareness of the sacrifice of families of those who died in the service of the nation.
The Survivor Outreach Services program plans and organizes this annual trip to Washington, D.C. to show their support for survivors, who they consider as permanent members of the Army Family.
Leaders of IMCOM also hosted an "Evening to Honor the Fallen" reception and were on hand to present two Living Legend Scholarships to survivors selected by the Columbia Southern Education Group. Recipients Rachel Pearson and Dustin Rudolf accepted the scholarships in memory of their fallen heroes.
"As we celebrate this [Memorial Day] holiday, this most revered holiday, we must remember it is not just the unofficial start of the summer. Certainly for those in this room, it has a far deeper meaning," said Maj. Gen. Sean Jenkins, deputy commander IMCOM, during the presentation of the scholarships. "Tonight we honor those we have lost, those who have paid a very personal price for you, for us and for our nation. We are humbled by your sacrifice, inspired by your resilience and grateful for your continued service and leadership to our nation."
Members of the delegations went on to participate in wreath-laying ceremonies at the World War II and Korean Memorials, and tour the Capitol and Pentagon.
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