NEW PALESTINE — An event this weekend will recognize families who lost loved ones serving in the military.
Two New Palestine natives, both U.S. Marines, were killed during their service — Pfc. Vaughn L. Brown on July 8, 1968; and Capt. M. Glenn Blaisdell on Aug. 30, 1995.
Brown, 19, was killed in action in Vietnam. Blaisdell, 26, was killed when the F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet he was flying malfunctioned and crashed during a training operation in Jacksonville, Florida.
Gold Star Family Day, held every year on the last Sunday in September, honors the loved ones of fallen service members. New Palestine Main Street, an organization that works to promote, support, revitalize and maintain the town, is organizing a Gold Star Family Day event starting at 7:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26 on Main Street near the vehicle entrance to New Palestine High School, where banners bearing Brown’s and Blaisdell’s names hang from light posts. Attendees will be able to park in the school’s parking lot.
The event will include a presentation of colors, a brief explanation of Gold Star Family Day and a lighting of about 100 luminaries. Members of Brown’s and Blaisdell’s families will be in attendance.
Julie Lucas, president of New Palestine Main Street, said the organization has wanted to organize a Gold Star Family Day event ever since learning of it last year. Gold Star Banners, as well as Blue Star Banners, which recognize those currently serving in the military, go up on Main Street’s light posts each summer.
“We just want to make sure that we honor the families,” Lucas said.
Bob Workman, Hancock County veterans service officer and a U.S. Marine veteran who served in the Vietnam War, said recognizing those who have lost loved ones serving in the military is a meaningful cause.
“I think it’s real important for the family to know that other people care and that they recognize the heroism of those people, that they’re not forgotten,” Workman said. “It helps with their grief that does never end, when somebody’s life is given that way.”
A joint congressional resolution designated Gold Star Mother’s Day in 1936 before it evolved to be known as Gold Star Family Day.
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WHAT: Gold Star Family Day ceremony
WHEN: 7:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26
WHERE: Main Street near the vehicle entrance to New Palestine High School
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