ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — Gold Star spouses, mothers, and families gathered April 18 at the Living Legacy Forest to be honored for the sacrifice of their loved ones during the installation’s Gold Star Spouses Day ceremony. The event included state and local officials, military leaders, and community partners.
Maj. Gen. James D. Turinetti IV opened the ceremony by reaffirming the Army’s commitment to Gold Star families, emphasizing that “our promise is unwavering” and that those who served “will never be forgotten.” He welcomed families whose fallen service members are memorialized among the 94 stones in the Gold Star Plaza, noting that their stories “continue to shape and inspire the community.”
State Sen. Benjamin Brooks, chair of the Maryland Veterans Caucus, attended the event. Brooks, a Vietnam veteran, was highlighted by Turinetti as a meaningful reminder of shared commitment across all levels of leadership. Brooks affirmed his support to Gold Star families in attendance.
“As policymakers, we have the responsibility — not just in words, but in action — to ensure that you are supported, respected, and never overlooked,” he said. “That commitment must live beyond ceremonies like this one... To all those Gold Star spouses here today, your strength does not go unnoticed, your sacrifices are not forgotten, and your loved one's service will never fade from the stories of this nation."
Vietnam-era POW/MIA service remembered
This year, a memorial stone was dedicated in honor of Army Maj. George Leslie Horsman II. Horsman’s family, including daughter Lisa Foley and son Michael Horsman, attended the event with their spouses. Maj. Horsman, a strategic intelligence staff officer, was reported missing during the Vietnam War and officially declared deceased in 1968.
Turinetti said Horsman’s story — recorded as a hostile casualty in Vinh Long Province — underscored the depth of sacrifice represented among all Gold Star families.
“His distinguished service earned him the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge… His name is forever etched into Panel 33E, Line 58 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.,” he said.
Turinetti highlighted the family’s decades-long remembrance as a powerful testament to the nation’s enduring commitment to accounting for those who remain unreturned from past conflicts. More than 81,000 Americans are still unaccounted for, and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency continues its mission to bring them home.
"Maj. Horsman’s story reflects our nation’s enduring promise that we will never stop searching for those who have yet to come home," Turinetti said.
Before concluding his remarks, Turinetti promised the Gold Star community that their loved ones' legacies will never be forgotten at the installation.
"I encourage you to continue connecting with one another and look to our Survivor Outreach Services for strength, love, and support,” he said.
The ceremony also included the national anthem, invocation, additional remarks from senior Army leaders, and a presentation of slate plaques to families. Following the outdoor program, participants took part in an Honor Walk lined with tributes to fallen service members before transitioning to Quarters One for a meal, activities, and fellowship. Planned events included games, door prizes, and opportunities for families to spend time together.
Ceremony honors sacrifice
Gold Star Spouses Day at APG is a meaningful observance dedicated to honoring the families of fallen service members. Held annually on April 5, it recognizes the surviving spouses of U.S. military members who died in the line of duty.
The day features a ceremony and activities designed to provide comfort, reflection, and recognition for families who have lost loved ones. A central highlight of the observance is the unveiling of memorial plaques dedicated to fallen service members, which will be added to the Gold Star Plaza. These tributes serve as lasting reminders of their bravery and service. Families are often invited to share stories and memories, helping foster a sense of community and shared remembrance.
In addition to a formal ceremony, the day also offers family-oriented activities, which help create a supportive environment where families can connect and find solace among others who have experienced similar loss.
The observance also provides a meaningful opportunity for the APG community to express gratitude and support. Volunteers from the installation and surrounding area help organize and facilitate the day’s events, ensuring that families feel welcomed, valued, and appreciated.
Overall, Gold Star Spouses Day at APG stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military families and a testament to the enduring support, unity, and compassion within the military community.
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