TAMPA, Fla. — Many in the Tampa Bay community are coming together to remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Sunday's ceremony in Hillsborough County paid a special tribute to gold star families.
The air filled with a sense of reverence as hundreds came to pay their respects at Veterans Memorial Park.
Gold star mother, Toni Gross, wants people to understand what the holiday is all about.
“Please take a minute to observe the holiday, but also enjoy time with your family,” she said.
Family means everything to Toni Gross. She said her son, Frank R. Gross was killed in 2011 after an IED explosion.
“This is one of the many reasons that we observe Memorial Day,” he said.
A garden of gold flags was unveiled at Veterans Park adorned with 44 names, representing sons and daughters who gave their all.
Annette Kirk, who lost her son in Afghanistan, said she understands the pain and grief these families are going through.
“I know a lot of the families, which makes it even more personal for me, and I know the pain that they’ve been going through,” she said.
She lost her son Paul when he was only 23 years old.
“I’ve shared tears with some of the moms, with some of the family members, and it makes it that much more personal for me,” Kirk said.
And for these mothers, it’s important to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day and express gratitude to those who sacrificed everything.