Veterans and their families gathered Saturday at the Missouri Capitol to watch the unveiling of the first Gold Star Families Memorial on a state capitol's ground.
The gold star memorial honors the families of veterans who have died while serving. The dedication was part of Jefferson City's first Veterans Week Kickoff, hosted by Lt. Gov. Mike Parson.
In the audience, Carolyn Doyle and her daughter Beth Hager-Harrison-Prado watched as Garden Club members revealed the plaque, which sits on the southeast side of the Capitol. Doyle lost her uncle, Robert Joslyn, in 1944 after he was killed in France.
"It's a reminder to all families who have lost a loved one and (how it) affected them in so many different ways and throughout the years," Doyle said. "(It's) the recognition that they're not alone and that other families have gone through this and that people recognize their pain that they've experienced."
Hager-Harrison-Prado looked on as her mom took a photo with Garden Club members in front of the memorial. After nine years of active service in the United States Navy, Hager-Harrison-Prado understands how meaningful the plaque is to gold star families.
"The saying is, 'All gave some, some gave all,' and this is for those who gave all and for their families, just to say, 'We'll never forget,' because one person may serve but that family serves with them," she said. "Having that kind of consciousness, just knowing that my great-uncle Bob is being commemorated here is just so meaningful."
Along with the Gold Star Families Memorial, there are currently five Blue Star Memorial Markers in Jefferson City, Schwaller said. The Blue Star Memorials honor all veterans.
After the dedication, Parson, along with city and state officials, spoke during a ceremony that honored Missouri veterans, law enforcement and emergency personnel, with State Rep. Wayne Wallingford as the guest speaker. Wallingford spoke of his time in the United States Air Force and the sacrifices veterans, along with first responders, make.
Doug Sheley, assistant director at the Museum of Missouri Military History, said while he didn't think there will ever be enough recognition for veterans, he thought Saturday's events made the community more aware of what the veterans and their families have sacrificed.
"It's really important to do this and recognize the veterans because they are really vital to our country, to the state," Sheley said. "They deserve the recognition, especially the ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice."