Photo By Erin Perez | Diana Cepeda, Gold Star Mother, shakes the hand of one of many military volunteers at...... read more read more
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SAN ANTONIO—In a room filled with solemn pride and strength, the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence, in partnership with Survivor Outreach Services, hosted a luncheon and ceremony to honor Gold Star Mothers and Families of fallen service members on Sept. 28, 2025, at the Airport Doubletree Hotel.
The event brought together families of fallen service members, military and civic leaders, and community organizations in a heartfelt tribute to lives lost.
Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day, observed the last Sunday in September, is a National Day of Remembrance. The term Gold Star Family is a reference to the service flag, designed in 1917. Originally, the flag included a blue star for every immediate family member serving in the U.S. Armed Forces during periods of armed conflict. If the service member, died, a gold star replaced the blue.
Command Sgt. Maj. Jesus H. Gonzalez, MEDCoE command sergeant major and JBSA Senior Army Element senior enlisted leader gave the opening remarks at the ceremony.
“To our Gold Star Mothers and Families present—your strength, resilience and unwavering devotion embodies the highest ideals of service and sacrifice,” said Gonzalez. “Though no words can lessen the weight you carry, please know that this gathering stands as a testament to our solemn promise, your loved ones will never be forgotten.”
The ceremony featured a proclamation signed by San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones and presented by Juan G. Ayala, retired Marine major general and Director of Military and Veteran Affairs Department for the City of San Antonio. Ayala expressed his respect and gratitude to the family members in the audience before presenting the proclamation to McQueen and two families in attendance. The proclamation acknowledges the enduring strength of Gold Star families and the commitment to partnership the city of San Antonio has with its military community, and it will be read out loud at the next city council meeting.
The keynote speaker of the event was Maj. Gen. Anthony L. McQueen, MEDCoE commanding general and Joint Base San Antonio Senior Army Element Command.
“This day is not simply a line on the calendar; it is sacred ground. It is a living promise that we will never forget the names, the faces and the stories of those who gave their lives in service to our nation,” McQueen said. “Your presence here is a reminder that love endures beyond loss, that courage is passed from one generation to the next, and that the bonds of family and country are forever intertwined.”
Air Force Families Forever was one of many support programs at the luncheon. Erica Mays, a representative for AFFF, talked about the importance of their program and why this event is so special.
“We are here to help the families navigate grief and support them through that,” Mays said. “This is not something that ever goes away, but as they learn to navigate life without the person they absolutely cherish and see them laugh, smile and hold space with other individuals who share their same circumstance is just monumental.”
The military community in San Antonio, proudly known as Military City USA, stands united in its unwavering support and deep gratitude. Through remembrance, heartfelt tributes and continued outreach, the community reaffirms its commitment to honoring the legacy of those who gave their lives in service to our nation.
MEDCoE is the Army Medicine proponent responsible for envisioning and designing responsive Army Medicine capabilities and structure that support the fielded force and the future force. MEDCoE is also one of 10 Centers of Excellence aligned under the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command.
To learn more about MEDCoE visit https://medcoe.army.mil/
For more information on Survivor Outreach Services visit: https://www.jbsa.mil/Resources/Survivor-Outreach-Services/
| Date Taken: | 09.28.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.30.2025 22:54 |
| Story ID: | 549792 |
| Location: | SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 103 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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