Our Opinion: Join the "Wave'; honor Gold Star families

Area residents will have the opportunity and privilege to honor Gold Star families on Thursday evening.

Gold Star pins are presented by the U.S. Department of Defense to the immediate family members of service men or women who have lost their lives in conflict.

Four of those families will be the honored guests at a Thursday dinner, sponsored by Operation Bugle Boy at St Martins Knights of Columbus Hall.

As part of the "Wave "Em If You Have "Em" event, residents are being urged to wave U.S. flags along the route of motorcade prior to the dinner.

From 4:15-4:50 p.m. Thursday, the motorcade will travel from Candlewood Suites Hotel on Amazonas Drive; left on Truman Boulevard; right on Country Club Drive to Business 50 in Apache Flats; right on Pioneer Trail Drive; left on Rainbow Drive and back to Business 50; right on Business 50 to Route T; right on Route T in St. Martins; and left into the St. Martins Knight of Columbus Hall parking lot.

The honorees include the parents of three Navy SEALS killed in Afghanistan. They are Maureen Murphy, New York, mother of Lt. Michael Murphy; Cordell and Donna Axelson, Nevada, parents of Petty Officer Matthew Axelson; and Danny Dietz Sr. and Cindy Dietz-Marsh, Colorado, parents of Petty Officer Danny Dietz.

Also to be honored are area residents Sandy and Dale Deraps, parents of Marine Lance Cpl. Leon Deraps, who was killed in action in Iraq.

"We want as many people as possible to participate," said Chris Jarboe, event organizer. "We are flying in these parents from three parts of the country. This is a heck of an opportunity to show respect for the families who have loved ones who have died for our country."

Central Missourians have established a tradition of honoring service and sacrifice to defend our country and preserve the freedoms we enjoy.

We encourage participation in Thursday's event to show appreciation and continue a rich tradition.