Described as “heartfelt,” the dedication ceremony was held to honor and remember “military sons and daughters that have given their life for our country.” The ceremony also served as the unveiling of the new Yellow Rose Tribute Garden in Jawbone Park.

Gold Star Mothers and Family Day is observed on the last Sunday in September and was established by Congress in 1936. The national observance honors the parents and families of fallen service members who “have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”

“The ‘Gold Star’ designation comes from the tradition of displaying a service flag with a gold star, symbolizing the death of a service member in combat,” a pamphlet from the Gold Star Mothers and Family Day ceremony states. “Today, this day stands as a column reminder to honor and support the families who bear the burden of their loved ones’ loss.”

Participants in the ceremony included Buckhannon Mayor Robbie Skinner, VFW State Chief of Staff Kevin Light, VFW Post 3663 Chaplin Amber Kay Klingensmith, the former Department of West Virginia Gold Star Mothers Charleston Chapter President Shirley White, VFW State Chaplin Maria Saunders and members of the Mountaineer Challenge Academy.

A plaque in the new garden reads, ‘A Tribute to Gold Star Mothers. Est. June 4, 1928. A Gold Star Mother is a mother who has lost a son or daughter while he or she was in military service.’

“The day serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of freedom and the enduring strength of those left behind,” City of Buckhannon Recorder Randy Sanders said in a press release.

Music and songs, such as “Liberty Bell March” and “In The Garden,” were performed by the Buckhannon Community Band, students from Coalton Elementary School and Andrea Wilfong with VFW Post 3663.

Light refreshments were served at VFW Post 3663 after the ceremony.

The new Yellow Rose Tribute Garden in Jawbone Park is made up of several yellow rose bushes and a plaque that states, “A Tribute to Gold Star Mothers. Est. June 4, 1928. A Gold Star Mother is a mother who has lost a son or daughter while he or she was in military service.” A smaller plaque underneath says, “Sponsored by VFW Auxiliary Post 3663.”

“Many have contributed to make this Yellow Rose Tribute Garden possible in downtown Buckhannon so that we may Honor, Remember and continue to Educate our Community,” the pamphlet from the ceremony states.