Westchester Reporter

Westchester County held a ceremony to honor the families of military service members who lost their lives in service to the country. The event, led by County Executive George Latimer and Veterans Service Agency Director Ron Tocci, took place at Westchester's Memorial Walkway at Kensico Dam Plaza. Seventeen county veterans who died since the 9/11 attacks were remembered with hand and rifle salutes and the sounding of "Taps."

Gold Star Mother Hope Hollinsworth-Coaxum of Yonkers spoke at the event. Her son, Army Staff Sergeant Courtney Hollinsworth, died in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007 and is commemorated on the Walkway.

Latimer stated: "As a county and a nation, we remember everyone who served and fell in the line of duty, and we honor their sacrifice, but it's important to remember that their sacrifice is not theirs alone. There's a family proudly standing behind everyone who goes off to serve. And when a service member falls, there's a family that grieves. We have a duty to our Gold Star Families to support them in their grief, to lift them up, to honor their sacrifice, and to provide them whatever help they need for all they've given for us."

Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins added: "Most of us have not lost a son or daughter, a spouse or sibling, in military service. We don't live with that intense paradox of pride in their service and grief for their loss. But we do live with a responsibility to our Gold Star Families, not just to support them with services but to make sure they feel our love and respect, to say every day, ‘We see you, we are humbled by your sacrifice, and we are here for you.’"

Tocci emphasized: "As parents, there's nothing more profound than the hopes and dreams we have for our children, including hopes and dreams for a fulfilling life of service. Those hopes and dreams for their service don't end with a folded flag, a rifle salute, a Gold Star, but for families whose loved ones choose a life of military service; the possibility of that ending is very real. Today, and every day, we say to all the Gold Star Moms and Gold Star families thank you for your service too. We know your sacrifice is indelible; we promise never to forget it."

The national remembrance of Gold Star Mother's Day began in 1936 on the last Sunday in September. Since 2011 commemoration has been amended to be Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day.

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