eventS/News
2023 hero trees
Hero Trees It is important to recognize and honor the sacrifices made by these Heroes from Washington. To show gratitude for their service in safeguarding the nation's values and principles. The Fallen Heroes Project and Gold Star Families have partnered to have 8 Hero Trees in Washington.
The Heroes honored are not a complete representation of those who paid the ultimate price.
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There are 8 Hero Trees across Washington State.
Northtown Mall, Spokane
Spokane Valley Mall, Spokane Valley
Mann-Grandstaff VA Hospital Lobby, Spokane
State Veterans Cemetery, Medical Lake
Lincoln Square, Bellevue
Veterans Museum, Lynnwood
Kitsap Mall, Silverdale
Capital Mall, Olympia
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Published Nov. 22, 2023
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By Tech. Sgt. Marianique Santos
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62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
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Inspired by her own experience, she, along with a friend whose son was killed in action, helped found a new group in January of 2023: the Gold Star Families of Washington.
“We serve all family members and all types of deaths to be more inclusive,” she said. “We welcome family members like me or those whose children or spouses had an accident or an illness. No matter which family member it is or how we lost them, we all lost somebody.”
Today, Hughes continues to volunteer with the USO at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and the local Veterans of Foreign Wards chapter. She carries Danielle’s banner during the veteran-related Auburn, Washington, parades. She also continues to serve other Gold Star family members through her organization, providing a network, emotional support and information to those who lost loved ones who served.
“Don't just sit at home,” Hughes said. “Your loved one wouldn’t want you to close yourself off from life just because they're no longer here. One of the best ways you can remember your family member is by living a life of service for them.”
Even though gold star families have experienced a great loss, their ties to the military community remain strong. To learn more about the Gold Star and other survivor benefits at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, visit https://jblm.armymwr.com/programs/sos.
Hitching Rail Event
June 11, 2022
May 30, 2022
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Washington State Gold Star Mothers honor their Fallen Heroes on Memorial Day. Whatcom County Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution presented this arbor and plaque to honor Washington State Gold Star Mothers. This was placed at Greenacres Memorial Cemetery in Ferndale, WA.
May 16th, 2022
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American Gold Star Mothers Iris-Dora Saravia & Jane Hughes represent our Chapter to greet veterans at the Homecoming in Seattle.
November 6th, 2021
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Auburn's 55th Annual Veterans Day Parade was held on Saturday, November 6th under cloudy skies. The parade has grown into one of the country's largest parades. It typically takes place along Auburn's Main Street, and boasts over 200 units and nearly 6,000 parade participants including KVI's Kirby Wilbur and John Carlson as well as a flyover, military units, veteran marching groups, honor guards, and numerous ROTC units. Gold Star Mother and Fallen Hero Banners begin at 43:34.
Socks for Veterans
The Washington State Gold Star Mothers recently completed a fundraiser and also received product donations from Careismatic Corporation. Over 300 pairs of socks were donated in just 14 days! Thank you to everyone that supported this fundraiser.
September 11, 2021
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The pandemic forced a smaller version of South Country Fire's annual 9/11 ceremony at Fire Station 17 in Edmonds in 2021, according to Spokesperson Leslie Hynes.
Salute to Armed Forces Night
The Mariners once again joined with our partners at The Boeing Company for the annual Salute to Armed Forces Night. The first 15,000 fans received a Mariners military cap, courtesy of Boeing.
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During the pregame ceremony, personnel from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, Washington National Guard, Veterans of Foreign Wars, USO Northwest, American Legion and Disabled American Veterans were introduced and lined up on the baselines
September 2021
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Gold Star Mothers of Washington were selected as the Charity of the Month. They are mothers whose sons or daughters became missing in action, died while on active duty, or died as a result of such service.
Watch Gold Star Mother Director Keirsten Lyons talk about the Washington State Fallen Heroes Project in Spokane, WA.
USMC Major Megan McClung with her service and sacrifice. In 2006, she became the first female Marine Corps officer to be killed in Iraq.
Remembering the men and women that gave their lives for our freedom. We will Never Forget!
Gold Star Family Monument
Dedicated November 2, 2022 Lynnwood, WA Veteran Park.. Sponsored by the Gold Star Mothers and the Hershel "Woody" Williams Foundation. These monuments help Gold Star Families and the community to remember and to know their loved ones will never be forgotten.
Local Veteran & Gold Star Mother
Her reflections on the true meaning of Veteran's Day.
