Monday Morning Boost: Honoring Our Gold Star Families
As we approach Independence Day, I pause to honor the families of the “heroes proved,” they who sacrificed their all for the liberties and freedom we hold most dear.
We call those families “Gold Star Families.”
GOLD STAR FAMILIES
These are the Gold Star families I am most closely connected with.
- Brett & Zell Allred, parents of Michael Allred
- Ron & Jody Wood, parents of Ronald Tanner Wood
- Colette Orchard, widow of Clyde Kramme
- Jennie Taylor, widow of Brent Taylor
I cannot fully comprehend what it means to lose a loved one to the horrors of war. Nevertheless, I pledge to never forget them nor their loved ones.
NORTH OGDEN GOLD STAR FAMILY MEMORIAL
I recently had the opportunity to visit Utah’s first Gold Star Family Memorial in North Ogden. Dedicated on August 1, 2020, the memorial honors the families of servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives while serving in the military.
Brent Taylor was the mayor of North Ogden at the time he was deployed with the Utah National Guard to Afghanistan and where he was serving when he was killed in action. His widow, Jennie Taylor, and many others who loved Brent were significantly responsible for raising the funds for this beautiful memorial.
Click here to read more about the Gold Star Memorial Monument.
For the Gold Star Families, I share with you a small gift of words. May they grant a small gift of peace, hope, and love, and may your memories forever be beautiful.
Please share with any who you feel will be blessed by my thoughts.
FOR THE GOLD STAR FAMILIES
By Les Patterson
Upon the altars of
Freedom
Their lives young and
Old
Willingly given as a lasting
Sacrifice
By the courageous and the
Bold
In honor and eternal
Memory
May we forever never
Forget
If not for their sworn
Allegiance
Each of us would face the
Threat
We stand today in solemn
Honor
In frigid weather or sweltering
Heat
Even in pristine and ideal
Conditions
Our circumstances can not be
Beat
We live today in protective
Peace
Our warriors the price they’ve
Paid
Let us honor in respectful
Glory
For the sacrifice they have
Laid
The burden is forever
Bourne
By their loved ones left
Behind
Our gratitude will never fill their
Loss
Nor the best wishes of all
Mankind
For you the Gold Star
Families
For the pain and anguish of this
Day
The gift of comfort and eternal
Hope
For your peace we will forever
Pray
Have a great Monday. Thanks for letting me share!
Les
p.s. Take 13 minutes today to remember our Gold Star Families.
RED EDGE LIVE WITH DR. LEW BAYER – THE REWARD OF CIVILITY
Civility is lacking in many conversations today, from online to community meetings and grocery story arguments between Karens and Kens. What was once considered extreme expressions is now accepted as the norm.
Is there a better way? Can we do something about it? Can one voice make a difference? Dr. Lew Bayer believes there is and that is by choosing to see the best in ourselves and in others.
“Civility is its own reward,” she says. “In choosing civility, people find their best self, and in doing so, they experience the grace, courage, generosity, humanity, and humility that civility engenders.”
Click here to enjoy this incredible Red Edge Live conversation with Dr. Lew Bayer.
The Story You Most Consistently Create Will be The Story To Most Consistently Come True In Your Life. Promise To Intentionally Create A Beautiful, Powerful, Wonderful Story Of Love And Greatness!
