Tuesday 24th, 2014
By Victoria Gaskell
Soldiers saluting during remembrance ceremony.
Today marks the beginning of ‘Gold Star Family Week’ on Fort Drum. The week started at 10 am this morning in a solemn remembrance ceremony, saluting soldiers killed in action between 2003 and present.
The week is set aside each year to commemorate the sacrifice made by Fort Drum’s fallen soldiers and their loved ones.
Though a hard reminder of the significant loss incurred by families of the fallen, widower Allison Hilbrandt-Farrell expressed gratitude to the community for the display of support.
“Since the loss of my husband, I have struggled to understand the purpose or meaning of his death. But memorials like Gold Star Family Week really help me to remember his passion for the Army and his pride and love of country.”
“For a moment, I can actually comprehend the sacrifice he made” said Ms. Hilbrandt-Farrell.
Ms. Hilbrandt-Farrell’s husband, was killed in action on April 28 of this year during an enemy attack in Afghanistan’s Kapisa Province.
While today’s event was solemn and reflective, Fort Drum will also be hosting its annual Mountainfest tomorrow, Wednesday 25th, June.
The event starts at 1 pm with a ceremonial Salute the Nation and continues with a free concert for the surrounding community beginning at 7 pm, concluding with fireworks.
More information on the weeks events can be found at Fort Drum’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation centre.
Wives of the Brave 