Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland, a retired U.S. Army colonel,  invites the public to attend LDVA’s annual Gold Star Mothers and Families Recognition Ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Gold Star Monument in the Louisiana Veterans Memorial Park, adjacent to the State Capitol.

There will be a free picnic lunch sponsored by the Louisiana Chapters of the Blue Star Mothers as well as live music by David St. Romain following the ceremony.

“Behind every gold star is a story of bravery because it signifies the ultimate sacrifice paid by the servicemen and women who stepped forward to defend our great nation,” Strickland said “Our Gold Star mothers and families remind us that freedom is not free, and it is our duty to support them as they too have sacrificed with the loss of their loved ones.”

The event will begin with a presentation of the colors by members of American Legion Post 38 followed by the national anthem and remarks from Strickland. After recognizing all Gold Star mothers and families in attendance there will be a wreath presentation by the Blue Star Mothers of Chapter 6.

Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul Tibbets IV, grandson of Enola Gay pilot Col. Paul Tibbets, will be the keynote speaker. He will be followed by Gold Star mother, Ruth Reed and the playing of Taps to close the ceremony.

The purpose of the Louisiana Gold Star Families Memorial Monument is to honor Gold Star families, preserve the memory of the fallen and stand as a stark reminder that freedom is not free. The Louisiana Veterans Memorial Park serves as the backdrop for the stunning black granite monument standing as a tribute to Gold Star families featuring a cut out representation of their loved ones.

For more information about the ceremony or LDVA, visit vetaffairs.la.gov, email veteran@la.gov, call 225-219-5000 or on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.