Fallen Soldiers and Gold Star families honored during event

By Rachel PonderSeptember 14, 2023

Honor Walk
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Attendees follow the “Honor Walk” trail, which features photos of fallen Soldiers during an event held at the Living Legacy Pavilion Sept. 9, 2023.
(Photo Credit: Photo by Rachel Ponder, APG News )
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Army Communications-Electronics Command and APG Senior Commander Maj. Gen. Robert Edmonson II talks about the resiliency of Gold Star families during a ceremony at the Living Legacy pavilion Sept. 9, 2023.
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Army Communications-Electronics Command and APG Senior Commander Maj. Gen. Robert Edmonson II talks about the resiliency of Gold Star families during a ceremony at the Living Legacy pavilion Sept. 9, 2023.

(Photo Credit: Photo by Wayne Gray, APG Garrison )
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1st Sgt. Zackery Jones, with the 20th CBRNE Command, salutes the family of fallen Solider Master Sgt. Jeremy Burris during a stone dedication at the Living Legacy pavilion Sept. 9, 2023.
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – 1st Sgt. Zackery Jones, with the 20th CBRNE Command, salutes the family of fallen Solider Master Sgt. Jeremy Burris during a stone dedication at the Living Legacy pavilion Sept. 9, 2023.

(Photo Credit: Photo by Rachel Ponder, APG News)
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ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Fallen Soldiers and Gold Star families were honored during a ceremony at the Living Legacy Pavilion Sept. 9, 2023.

This year, three stones were dedicated to honor the lives and legacies of Spc. Matthew Disney, 2nd Lt. William Kilmon, and Master Sgt. Jeremy Burris. These stones were placed within the Gold Star Memorial, which now has 90 stones. The ceremony was held in observance of Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day, which falls on Sept. 24 this year.

Army Communications-Electronics Command and APG Senior Commander Maj. Gen. Robert Edmonson II hosted the ceremony, while CECOM Secretary to the General Staff Heather Hilton narrated.

Edmonson expressed his condolences to the three families representing each fallen Soldier. The Living Legacy Forest, dedicated in 2018, provides a serene place for people to reflect on their loved ones.

Edmonson hopes it will give them some peace.

“I think of the life of the trees planted here and how they will continue to stand for decades to come, ensuring the memories of your loved ones also live on,” he said.

Edmonson encouraged the Gold Star family members to keep sharing stories of their loved ones.

“You are not only sharing your loved ones with us, but you are letting us understand and get to know them as well,” he said, “The Gold Star family is one of resilience, of strength, of love, and of compassion. I am always in awe of the support you offer to one another when you come together.”

Edmonson added that Gold Star family members are eternally part of the Army family.

“We are forever indebted to your sacrifices and are committed to taking care of you,” he said. “We can never repay the debt we owe you, we will continue to try our best, though, to honor you and remember your fallen loved ones.”

Sharing stories

After the formal portion of the ceremony, guests made their way to a reception at Quarters One, the historic home of the APG senior commander, following an “Honor Walk” trail. Gold Star family members chatted and shared stories of their loved ones while enjoying a catered meal and games.

Mike Vickers, the great uncle of Disney, said this was the first time he attended a Gold Star event.

“We are learning that it is important to have some community contact,” he said.

Vickers said Disney always wanted to join the military and was good teammate.

“When the chips were down, he was always the one that would say, ‘that’s alright, we will get it next time,’ he was a good kid.”

Gold Star spouse Cecilia Lesser said the support system did not exist when her husband, Sgt. 1st Class George Lesser, passed away in 1966. She said that her three daughters felt like they didn’t know anyone who shared their experience.

“There are no words to describe how you feel about the comradery here,” she said. “The support here means everything because I didn’t have it.”

Lesser fondly recalls how she met her husband at a military dance. They were married 15 years before he passed away.

“I had a good husband, and he was a good father; my daughters still miss their dad,” she said.

APG Garrison Commander Col. Philip J. Mundweil said he enjoyed learning more about the APG Gold Star community that afternoon during his closing remarks.

“The way that you all look out for and take care of each other is inspiring for us,” he said.

The event concluded with some warm embraces before the families went their own ways.

Gold Star Mother Janice Chance shared that this day was the 15th anniversary of her son, Marine Capt. Jesse Melton III, who was killed in Afghanistan.

“I chose to be here to celebrate his life,” she said.

For more photos of this event, visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/usagapg/albums/72177720311165390.

For more about the APG Gold Star community, get a current copy of The Proof, now on shelves and online at www.dcmilitary.com.