1 00:00:00,840 --> 00:00:02,951 Hello , everyone , and welcome to the 2 00:00:02,951 --> 00:00:05,062 Pentagon's Hall of Heroes . Thank you 3 00:00:05,062 --> 00:00:07,118 so much for being here virtually via 4 00:00:07,118 --> 00:00:09,396 defense dot gov or military one source . 5 00:00:09,396 --> 00:00:11,618 Facebook Page or the Pentagon Channel . 6 00:00:11,618 --> 00:00:13,840 We're so glad that you could be with us 7 00:00:13,840 --> 00:00:16,062 now it normal circumstances . This hall 8 00:00:16,062 --> 00:00:18,396 would be filled with our special guests . 9 00:00:18,396 --> 00:00:20,451 Today you are our special guests and 10 00:00:20,451 --> 00:00:22,340 especially if you are a Gold star 11 00:00:22,340 --> 00:00:24,562 family member , we are most honored and 12 00:00:24,562 --> 00:00:26,784 grateful that you would join us . Thank 13 00:00:26,784 --> 00:00:28,840 you . The program is about you . The 14 00:00:28,840 --> 00:00:30,729 Gold Star families display is now 15 00:00:30,729 --> 00:00:32,840 permanent and located in the heart of 16 00:00:32,840 --> 00:00:34,840 the Pentagon , right where our gold 17 00:00:34,840 --> 00:00:36,840 star families must always be in our 18 00:00:36,840 --> 00:00:38,951 hearts and our minds in all decisions 19 00:00:38,951 --> 00:00:40,951 made in this building Officiating . 20 00:00:40,951 --> 00:00:42,896 Today's event is the ceremony Host 21 00:00:42,896 --> 00:00:45,118 Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel 22 00:00:45,118 --> 00:00:47,284 and Readiness , Thea Honorable Matthew 23 00:00:47,284 --> 00:00:49,030 P . Donovan to my left and 24 00:00:49,030 --> 00:00:51,086 participating . The program today is 25 00:00:51,086 --> 00:00:53,086 the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of 26 00:00:53,086 --> 00:00:55,141 Staff , General Mark Milley , to his 27 00:00:55,141 --> 00:00:57,252 left and concluding our program today 28 00:00:57,252 --> 00:00:59,141 will be gold star wife and senior 29 00:00:59,141 --> 00:01:01,252 adviser to the Assistant Secretary of 30 00:01:01,252 --> 00:01:03,197 Defense for International Security 31 00:01:03,197 --> 00:01:05,363 Affairs , Miss Jane Horton . They will 32 00:01:05,363 --> 00:01:07,474 each be providing remarks and I asked 33 00:01:07,474 --> 00:01:09,641 him to remain standing as we begin our 34 00:01:09,641 --> 00:01:11,474 program with the national anthem 35 00:01:11,474 --> 00:01:13,474 performed by Gold star sister Maria 36 00:01:13,474 --> 00:01:15,419 Smith , followed by the invocation 37 00:01:15,419 --> 00:01:17,474 offered by Gold Star father Reverend 38 00:01:17,474 --> 00:01:20,970 David Horton . Maria approved . 39 00:01:21,940 --> 00:01:22,270 So 40 00:01:29,440 --> 00:01:33,270 oh , say , can 41 00:01:33,270 --> 00:01:36,460 you see 42 00:01:37,640 --> 00:01:40,230 by the dawn's 43 00:01:40,230 --> 00:01:43,460 early light 44 00:01:44,440 --> 00:01:48,320 what so proudly we 45 00:01:48,330 --> 00:01:52,230 held at the 46 00:01:52,230 --> 00:01:55,460 twilight's last 47 00:01:55,470 --> 00:01:58,600 gleaming whose broad 48 00:01:58,600 --> 00:02:01,760 stripes on bright 49 00:02:01,760 --> 00:02:03,950 stars 50 00:02:05,140 --> 00:02:06,360 through the 51 00:02:06,370 --> 00:02:09,520 perilous 52 00:02:09,520 --> 00:02:13,220 fight or the 53 00:02:13,220 --> 00:02:16,090 ramparts we 54 00:02:16,100 --> 00:02:19,920 watched were 55 00:02:19,920 --> 00:02:23,010 so gallantly 56 00:02:23,010 --> 00:02:26,680 streaming and the 57 00:02:26,680 --> 00:02:30,630 rockets red lad glad 58 00:02:30,640 --> 00:02:34,250 rare . The bombs 59 00:02:34,250 --> 00:02:37,490 bursting in 60 00:02:37,490 --> 00:02:40,860 there gave 61 00:02:40,860 --> 00:02:43,750 proof through the 62 00:02:43,760 --> 00:02:47,270 night that our 63 00:02:47,270 --> 00:02:50,450 flag one still 64 00:02:50,450 --> 00:02:54,240 there . Oh ho 65 00:02:54,240 --> 00:02:57,970 say , does that star 66 00:02:57,970 --> 00:03:01,440 spangled , Then 67 00:03:01,440 --> 00:03:03,000 our yes 68 00:03:03,010 --> 00:03:06,670 way 69 00:03:10,440 --> 00:03:14,360 for the Land of the 70 00:03:14,370 --> 00:03:17,670 Free 71 00:03:19,040 --> 00:03:22,250 and the home 72 00:03:22,840 --> 00:03:25,360 of the 73 00:03:26,240 --> 00:03:28,550 Pray 74 00:03:31,040 --> 00:03:33,260 alone , he 75 00:03:37,530 --> 00:03:41,050 let us pray . Dear Heavenly Father . 76 00:03:41,940 --> 00:03:44,220 On this special day , we honor those 77 00:03:44,220 --> 00:03:46,276 who have given their lives for their 78 00:03:46,276 --> 00:03:49,670 country on foreign battlefields and 79 00:03:49,670 --> 00:03:52,430 here it home . They responded to the 80 00:03:52,430 --> 00:03:54,430 call to serve and made the ultimate 81 00:03:54,430 --> 00:03:57,520 sacrifice , defending the ideals in 82 00:03:57,520 --> 00:03:59,950 which they believed , defending their 83 00:03:59,950 --> 00:04:02,240 brothers and sisters in arms and 84 00:04:02,240 --> 00:04:04,790 defending their nation . May their 85 00:04:04,790 --> 00:04:06,790 courage be honored and remembered , 86 00:04:07,240 --> 00:04:09,760 made their example influence current 87 00:04:09,770 --> 00:04:12,630 and for future generations made their 88 00:04:12,630 --> 00:04:15,890 legacy be one of love and sacrifice and 89 00:04:15,890 --> 00:04:19,040 made their souls be embraced by you as 90 00:04:19,040 --> 00:04:21,510 scripture remind us in the words of 91 00:04:21,510 --> 00:04:23,890 Christ , greater love hath no man than 92 00:04:23,890 --> 00:04:27,410 this . That a man lay down his life for 93 00:04:27,410 --> 00:04:30,940 his friends . Lord , comfort 94 00:04:30,950 --> 00:04:33,670 all the Gold Star family members of all 95 00:04:33,670 --> 00:04:35,892 the men and women who have been lost in 96 00:04:35,892 --> 00:04:38,610 conflict to us . The deceased are not 97 00:04:38,610 --> 00:04:41,720 just military personnel , but also 98 00:04:41,720 --> 00:04:44,820 rather father , mother , husband , wife , 99 00:04:44,820 --> 00:04:48,020 son , daughter and friend Help all 100 00:04:48,020 --> 00:04:50,380 these families remember the good times 101 00:04:50,380 --> 00:04:52,602 and look forward to being reunited with 102 00:04:52,602 --> 00:04:54,491 their loved ones in your heavenly 103 00:04:54,491 --> 00:04:56,930 kingdom Someday , where there will be 104 00:04:56,940 --> 00:04:59,820 no more mourning . As we dedicate this 105 00:04:59,820 --> 00:05:02,720 gold star families , Pentagon display , 106 00:05:02,910 --> 00:05:05,170 we pray our gold star families and 107 00:05:05,170 --> 00:05:07,780 friends have all they need each day . 108 00:05:07,780 --> 00:05:09,780 Hold them , Lord , until their tier 109 00:05:09,780 --> 00:05:12,360 stop and they can breathe again . Give 110 00:05:12,360 --> 00:05:14,520 them the faith they need for each day 111 00:05:14,780 --> 00:05:17,002 until they see their loved one again in 112 00:05:17,002 --> 00:05:19,590 heaven . May this display ever stand as 113 00:05:19,590 --> 00:05:22,140 a lasting memorial , serving as a 114 00:05:22,140 --> 00:05:24,880 reminder of the tremendous price paid 115 00:05:25,090 --> 00:05:27,530 for freedom and to not forget our 116 00:05:27,530 --> 00:05:30,290 fallen and their families . We pray 117 00:05:30,290 --> 00:05:32,970 these things in Jesus name . Amen . 118 00:05:39,640 --> 00:05:42,730 May be seated . Thank you for your 119 00:05:42,730 --> 00:05:45,008 powerful implication , Reverend Horton , 120 00:05:45,008 --> 00:05:47,350 I'm sure carrying in your heart your 121 00:05:47,350 --> 00:05:49,620 son , Specialist Chris Horton , and 122 00:05:49,620 --> 00:05:51,953 thank you for your stirring performance , 123 00:05:51,953 --> 00:05:54,064 Maria of the national anthem in honor 124 00:05:54,064 --> 00:05:56,064 of your sister , Senior Chief Petty 125 00:05:56,064 --> 00:05:58,176 Officer Shannon Kemp . Thank you both 126 00:05:58,176 --> 00:06:00,390 for being here . Our first speakers . 127 00:06:00,390 --> 00:06:02,279 The Undersecretary of defense for 128 00:06:02,279 --> 00:06:04,501 personnel and readiness , who leads all 129 00:06:04,501 --> 00:06:06,390 policy guidance and oversight for 130 00:06:06,390 --> 00:06:08,446 nearly six million service members , 131 00:06:08,446 --> 00:06:10,501 their families and D o t civilians , 132 00:06:10,501 --> 00:06:12,334 including oversight for casualty 133 00:06:12,334 --> 00:06:14,690 affairs and Gold Star families . This 134 00:06:14,690 --> 00:06:16,230 is a massive portfolio of 135 00:06:16,230 --> 00:06:18,320 responsibility , but nothing is more 136 00:06:18,320 --> 00:06:20,730 important than the work our office does . 137 00:06:20,740 --> 00:06:23,430 Standing with our Gold Star families in 138 00:06:23,430 --> 00:06:26,240 their time of tragedy , the honorable 139 00:06:26,240 --> 00:06:28,407 Matthew P . Donovan assumed leadership 140 00:06:28,407 --> 00:06:30,980 of Pienaar in December 2019 after 141 00:06:30,980 --> 00:06:33,036 serving as undersecretary of the Air 142 00:06:33,036 --> 00:06:34,813 Force and more than 30 years in 143 00:06:34,813 --> 00:06:36,870 uniforms , both enlisted and officer 144 00:06:36,870 --> 00:06:38,703 ranks as one of our nation's top 145 00:06:38,703 --> 00:06:40,814 fighter pilots . We turn the time now 146 00:06:40,814 --> 00:06:43,092 over to Mr Donovan for opening remarks , 147 00:06:43,092 --> 00:06:44,092 sir . 148 00:06:47,140 --> 00:06:49,910 Thank you , Charlene . Very warm . 149 00:06:49,910 --> 00:06:52,110 Welcome to our Gold Star families 150 00:06:52,120 --> 00:06:54,176 watching the ceremony today . And of 151 00:06:54,176 --> 00:06:56,398 course , welcome to all of you who care 152 00:06:56,398 --> 00:06:58,564 about our Gold Star families . It's an 153 00:06:58,564 --> 00:07:00,787 honor to join the chairman of the Joint 154 00:07:00,787 --> 00:07:03,009 Chiefs , General Mark Milley , and Miss 155 00:07:03,009 --> 00:07:05,180 Jane Horton today for the ceremony to 156 00:07:05,180 --> 00:07:07,347 officially open the Gold Star families 157 00:07:07,347 --> 00:07:10,190 Pentagon display Where will become part 158 00:07:10,190 --> 00:07:12,460 of the Pentagon's public walking tour ? 159 00:07:13,240 --> 00:07:15,240 This is an important occasion as we 160 00:07:15,240 --> 00:07:17,296 honor with this new display and show 161 00:07:17,296 --> 00:07:19,570 our great respect and love for our 162 00:07:19,570 --> 00:07:21,348 military families who have lost 163 00:07:21,348 --> 00:07:23,970 treasured sons and daughters , husbands 164 00:07:23,970 --> 00:07:25,900 and wives , mothers and fathers , 165 00:07:25,980 --> 00:07:29,010 brothers and sisters . I'm honored to 166 00:07:29,010 --> 00:07:31,177 represent the department defense as we 167 00:07:31,177 --> 00:07:32,732 unveil this display today , 168 00:07:32,732 --> 00:07:34,899 representing the heart and soul of not 169 00:07:34,899 --> 00:07:37,260 only our department but our nation . 170 00:07:37,930 --> 00:07:39,819 Over the years , the Pentagon has 171 00:07:39,819 --> 00:07:42,110 become a living museum . All through 172 00:07:42,110 --> 00:07:44,166 these quarters , we have world class 173 00:07:44,166 --> 00:07:46,140 historical displays recognizing 174 00:07:46,140 --> 00:07:48,650 significant moments in the individuals 175 00:07:48,660 --> 00:07:50,327 throughout the history of the 176 00:07:50,327 --> 00:07:52,670 Department of Defense . The display you 177 00:07:52,670 --> 00:07:55,010 will see today we'll do just that as we 178 00:07:55,010 --> 00:07:58,420 honor our Gold Star families . The 179 00:07:58,420 --> 00:08:00,309 official history of our Gold Star 180 00:08:00,309 --> 00:08:02,364 family dates back to World War One , 181 00:08:02,364 --> 00:08:04,309 when military families put service 182 00:08:04,309 --> 00:08:06,476 flags in their window featuring a blue 183 00:08:06,476 --> 00:08:08,830 star for every immediate family member 184 00:08:08,840 --> 00:08:11,730 serving in the war . If their loved one 185 00:08:11,730 --> 00:08:13,897 was killed in action . The stars color 186 00:08:13,897 --> 00:08:17,220 would be changed . The goal in 1918 . 187 00:08:17,230 --> 00:08:19,008 The Gold Star tradition grew as 188 00:08:19,008 --> 00:08:21,119 President Woodrow Wilson approved the 189 00:08:21,119 --> 00:08:23,341 recommendation by the Women's Committee 190 00:08:23,341 --> 00:08:25,563 of National Defenses . Toe wear a black 191 00:08:25,563 --> 00:08:29,140 armband with a gold star in 1947 that 192 00:08:29,140 --> 00:08:31,029 the department defense officially 193 00:08:31,029 --> 00:08:33,196 created . The Gold Star lapel button , 194 00:08:33,196 --> 00:08:35,420 which Miss Horton is wearing . This 195 00:08:35,420 --> 00:08:37,309 button features a gold star and a 196 00:08:37,309 --> 00:08:39,420 purple circular background . It could 197 00:08:39,420 --> 00:08:41,642 only be worn by the immediate family of 198 00:08:41,642 --> 00:08:44,930 service members killed in combat these 199 00:08:44,930 --> 00:08:47,152 air Gold star families whose lives take 200 00:08:47,152 --> 00:08:49,208 on new meaning to preserve and honor 201 00:08:49,208 --> 00:08:51,263 the memory of their loved ones . One 202 00:08:51,263 --> 00:08:53,650 such examples . Colonel Rebecca Eggers 203 00:08:53,660 --> 00:08:55,882 standing proudly with us in this room . 204 00:08:56,440 --> 00:08:58,520 Gold Star wife to captain Dan Eggers 205 00:08:58,520 --> 00:09:00,687 with the third Special Forces Group in 206 00:09:00,687 --> 00:09:03,040 Afghanistan , Rebecca has sacrificed so 207 00:09:03,040 --> 00:09:05,590 much to still be in uniforms , not the 208 00:09:05,590 --> 00:09:07,701 least of which is missing their son's 209 00:09:07,701 --> 00:09:09,812 graduation . While deployed to Iraq . 210 00:09:10,140 --> 00:09:12,251 Today , both their sons air following 211 00:09:12,251 --> 00:09:14,140 in their father's footsteps while 212 00:09:14,140 --> 00:09:17,080 studying at The Citadel . As we 213 00:09:17,080 --> 00:09:19,302 continue to strive to improve the lives 214 00:09:19,302 --> 00:09:21,358 of all of our military families were 215 00:09:21,358 --> 00:09:23,469 pleased to let our Gold Star families 216 00:09:23,469 --> 00:09:25,580 know that we're moving forward with a 217 00:09:25,580 --> 00:09:27,636 unique resource for them on military 218 00:09:27,636 --> 00:09:29,691 one source . Soon Gold Star families 219 00:09:29,691 --> 00:09:31,580 will be able to access a password 220 00:09:31,580 --> 00:09:33,802 protected portal on the site where they 221 00:09:33,802 --> 00:09:36,080 will find resource is specific to them . 222 00:09:36,240 --> 00:09:37,851 This will be interactive and 223 00:09:37,851 --> 00:09:39,740 informative and will assist us to 224 00:09:39,740 --> 00:09:42,510 better help you with your needs . Thank 225 00:09:42,510 --> 00:09:44,399 you to all who made this displace 226 00:09:44,399 --> 00:09:46,750 possible this display possible and 227 00:09:46,750 --> 00:09:48,861 special thanks to Jane Horton for her 228 00:09:48,861 --> 00:09:51,780 drive and passion to bring this project 229 00:09:51,780 --> 00:09:54,190 to fruition thanks to all of you for 230 00:09:54,190 --> 00:09:56,301 being part of this virtual ceremony . 231 00:10:02,140 --> 00:10:04,307 Thank you , sir , for your remarks and 232 00:10:04,307 --> 00:10:06,950 for making this event and display and 233 00:10:06,950 --> 00:10:08,839 the Gold Star families such a top 234 00:10:08,839 --> 00:10:11,061 priority in the Department of Defense . 235 00:10:11,061 --> 00:10:13,228 I am now pleased to introduce the 20th 236 00:10:13,228 --> 00:10:15,339 Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 237 00:10:15,339 --> 00:10:17,561 General Mark Milley , who serves as the 238 00:10:17,561 --> 00:10:19,450 principal military adviser to the 239 00:10:19,450 --> 00:10:21,506 President , the Secretary of Defense 240 00:10:21,506 --> 00:10:23,783 and the National Security Council . Ah , 241 00:10:23,783 --> 00:10:26,006 Princeton University graduate with post 242 00:10:26,006 --> 00:10:28,172 graduate degrees from Colombia and the 243 00:10:28,172 --> 00:10:30,061 U . S . Naval War College General 244 00:10:30,061 --> 00:10:32,117 Milley has served 40 years in the US 245 00:10:32,117 --> 00:10:34,117 Army . He is a Massachusetts native 246 00:10:34,117 --> 00:10:36,380 with a well known love of his Boston 247 00:10:36,380 --> 00:10:38,650 teams , but he is even more well known 248 00:10:38,660 --> 00:10:41,230 for his career long special attention 249 00:10:41,240 --> 00:10:43,462 to our gold star families . Thank you . 250 00:10:43,462 --> 00:10:45,684 So for being here , the time is yours . 251 00:10:49,540 --> 00:10:51,484 Thanks , Charlene , for that . And 252 00:10:51,484 --> 00:10:54,450 thanks , Secretary Donovan for putting 253 00:10:54,450 --> 00:10:57,370 all of this together . I want to thank 254 00:10:57,370 --> 00:11:00,730 Pastor Horton and Jane for being a 255 00:11:00,730 --> 00:11:04,250 driving force behind this memorial . In 256 00:11:04,250 --> 00:11:06,583 this display that's about to take place . 257 00:11:06,583 --> 00:11:08,528 I wanna thank Mariah . I know that 258 00:11:08,528 --> 00:11:10,990 Shannon , her wonderful sister who gave 259 00:11:10,990 --> 00:11:12,934 her life on a special operation in 260 00:11:12,934 --> 00:11:15,101 Syria , eyes looking down and blessing 261 00:11:15,101 --> 00:11:17,212 this entire ceremony in tow . Colonel 262 00:11:17,212 --> 00:11:20,510 Eggers , I knew Dan , And thanks so 263 00:11:20,510 --> 00:11:22,940 much for what you do is a mom and a 264 00:11:22,940 --> 00:11:25,340 spouse and a soldier . Uh , it's 265 00:11:25,340 --> 00:11:27,284 remarkable what Gold star families 266 00:11:27,284 --> 00:11:30,470 doing thanks especially to all the gold 267 00:11:30,470 --> 00:11:33,150 Star families watching from across the 268 00:11:33,150 --> 00:11:34,800 nation . Thank you all for 269 00:11:34,810 --> 00:11:36,960 participating in the ceremony . The 270 00:11:36,960 --> 00:11:40,640 Gold Star is a symbol symbol of your 271 00:11:40,640 --> 00:11:44,060 loved one . A symbol of the one that 272 00:11:44,060 --> 00:11:46,900 you lost . And as mentioned , they were 273 00:11:46,910 --> 00:11:50,000 Children , fathers , mothers . They 274 00:11:50,000 --> 00:11:52,222 were brothers and sisters and they were 275 00:11:52,222 --> 00:11:54,389 friends and coaches and mentors and so 276 00:11:54,389 --> 00:11:57,540 much more . But most of all , they're 277 00:11:57,540 --> 00:12:00,220 American heroes and we must remember 278 00:12:00,220 --> 00:12:03,510 them . Remember their service , their 279 00:12:03,510 --> 00:12:07,010 sacrifice and the story For 280 00:12:07,010 --> 00:12:10,450 every casualty of war , there's a story 281 00:12:10,450 --> 00:12:13,060 that illuminates the two character of a 282 00:12:13,060 --> 00:12:15,400 Gold Star family member and allow me to 283 00:12:15,400 --> 00:12:17,567 tell you one such story of a dedicated 284 00:12:17,567 --> 00:12:19,810 soldier . Garrett Fant and his gold 285 00:12:19,810 --> 00:12:23,190 star mother , Julia Pharaoh Garrett , 286 00:12:23,190 --> 00:12:25,079 in his unit , were from the first 287 00:12:25,079 --> 00:12:27,079 Infantry Division from Fort Riley , 288 00:12:27,079 --> 00:12:29,301 Kansas . They were attached to the 10th 289 00:12:29,301 --> 00:12:31,670 Mountain Division . Garrett was from 290 00:12:31,670 --> 00:12:33,837 Lake Tahoe , California , enthusiastic 291 00:12:34,140 --> 00:12:36,084 about being in the Army because it 292 00:12:36,084 --> 00:12:38,084 meant you could take care of fellow 293 00:12:38,084 --> 00:12:40,140 soldiers . Specialist fans served in 294 00:12:40,140 --> 00:12:42,196 the Big Red one as an 11 Charlie , a 295 00:12:42,196 --> 00:12:44,760 Mormon , and he loved the infantry , 296 00:12:45,640 --> 00:12:47,807 and I've been told that he would often 297 00:12:47,807 --> 00:12:50,260 say , You can't spell infantry without 298 00:12:50,260 --> 00:12:53,650 Fant , a specialist , Fant was also 299 00:12:53,650 --> 00:12:56,100 extremely competent in his job in 300 00:12:56,100 --> 00:12:58,267 southern Afghanistan . We consistently 301 00:12:58,267 --> 00:13:00,790 put first round on target up to 600 m 302 00:13:00,790 --> 00:13:03,690 away with his M 203 40 millimeter 303 00:13:03,690 --> 00:13:07,250 grenade launcher . And while on patrol 304 00:13:08,040 --> 00:13:10,970 on 26 September 2011 305 00:13:11,940 --> 00:13:13,996 Garrett was using his metal detector 306 00:13:13,996 --> 00:13:16,210 declare a safe path into a village for 307 00:13:16,210 --> 00:13:19,160 his fellow soldiers and he stepped on 308 00:13:19,160 --> 00:13:22,210 and triggered an ID , killing him . His 309 00:13:22,210 --> 00:13:24,266 death was devastating for his family 310 00:13:24,266 --> 00:13:26,690 and his unit . After the platoon 311 00:13:26,690 --> 00:13:29,830 returned home in the summer of 2012 to 312 00:13:29,830 --> 00:13:32,470 Fort Riley soldiers , they're held 313 00:13:32,470 --> 00:13:34,637 their annual memorial ceremony for the 314 00:13:34,637 --> 00:13:36,414 fallen Big Red . One soldiers , 315 00:13:36,440 --> 00:13:38,496 specialist fans , platoon leader was 316 00:13:38,496 --> 00:13:40,551 asked to escort Garrett's mother and 317 00:13:40,551 --> 00:13:42,730 sister , and the young officer 318 00:13:42,740 --> 00:13:45,760 immediately felt intense trepidation . 319 00:13:46,140 --> 00:13:48,550 After all , he was the platoon leader , 320 00:13:49,240 --> 00:13:51,351 and he was responsible for everything 321 00:13:51,351 --> 00:13:53,518 that happened to that unit , including 322 00:13:53,740 --> 00:13:57,360 the death of specialist fan . However , 323 00:13:58,040 --> 00:14:00,880 upon meeting Julia Farrell , Garrett's 324 00:14:00,880 --> 00:14:03,830 mother , that young platoon leader 325 00:14:03,830 --> 00:14:05,663 quickly understood the source of 326 00:14:05,663 --> 00:14:07,663 specials , fans caring , nature and 327 00:14:07,663 --> 00:14:10,560 enthusiasm and a quiet moment together . 328 00:14:11,340 --> 00:14:13,173 While clutching the pages of the 329 00:14:13,173 --> 00:14:15,284 incident report that she had probably 330 00:14:15,284 --> 00:14:18,100 read 1000 times . She told him that 331 00:14:18,100 --> 00:14:21,950 both G and her son understood the 332 00:14:21,950 --> 00:14:24,260 dangers and the hazards of his chosen 333 00:14:24,260 --> 00:14:27,170 profession , and they were both willing 334 00:14:27,940 --> 00:14:31,510 for him to serve every soldier , sailor , 335 00:14:31,510 --> 00:14:34,110 airman , Marine Coast guardsman . Every 336 00:14:34,110 --> 00:14:36,540 one of us in uniforms has written a 337 00:14:36,540 --> 00:14:39,160 blank check payable to the American 338 00:14:39,160 --> 00:14:41,950 people , which says that each of us is 339 00:14:42,540 --> 00:14:45,420 willing to give our all that we're 340 00:14:45,420 --> 00:14:47,587 willing to make the ultimate sacrifice 341 00:14:48,210 --> 00:14:50,490 to protect and defend the Constitution 342 00:14:50,490 --> 00:14:52,712 of the United States of America against 343 00:14:52,712 --> 00:14:54,768 all enemies , foreign and domestic , 344 00:14:54,940 --> 00:14:56,940 and behind every soldier , sailor , 345 00:14:56,940 --> 00:14:58,940 airman , Marine and Coast guardsmen 346 00:14:58,940 --> 00:15:01,051 willing to give their all . There are 347 00:15:01,051 --> 00:15:03,162 loved ones who support us and service 348 00:15:03,162 --> 00:15:05,500 and sacrifice . Each Gold Star family 349 00:15:05,500 --> 00:15:07,870 member is also a hero filled with 350 00:15:07,870 --> 00:15:10,750 compassion , resiliency and patriotism . 351 00:15:11,910 --> 00:15:14,280 And words could do no justice to the 352 00:15:14,280 --> 00:15:17,630 loss of our loved ones every single day . 353 00:15:17,630 --> 00:15:21,190 We asked why and for what for Was it 354 00:15:21,190 --> 00:15:24,610 worth it ? And the words can never 355 00:15:24,610 --> 00:15:27,020 bring them back . There is nothing that 356 00:15:27,020 --> 00:15:30,680 I or anyone else will ever do , will 357 00:15:30,680 --> 00:15:33,280 never be able to say that can stop the 358 00:15:33,280 --> 00:15:36,550 pain or fill the void of your loss . 359 00:15:37,640 --> 00:15:40,460 But what we can do is honor them . We 360 00:15:40,460 --> 00:15:43,800 can honor them every day by reading a 361 00:15:43,800 --> 00:15:46,440 newspaper and remembering that freedom 362 00:15:46,440 --> 00:15:49,050 of the press was paid for . But Garrett 363 00:15:49,050 --> 00:15:52,560 fan , or go to church or a 364 00:15:52,560 --> 00:15:55,380 synagogue or a mosque , or choose not 365 00:15:55,380 --> 00:15:57,750 to believe it all and recall that 366 00:15:58,940 --> 00:16:01,820 create , um of religion was not earned 367 00:16:01,820 --> 00:16:05,600 by the preacher of the priest , but by 368 00:16:05,600 --> 00:16:09,560 Chris Horton or Marines , Blood on a 369 00:16:09,560 --> 00:16:12,140 distant battlefield or go to a 370 00:16:12,140 --> 00:16:15,440 courtroom and be thankful we have due 371 00:16:15,440 --> 00:16:18,750 process of law paid in full 372 00:16:19,940 --> 00:16:23,720 by the crew of an aircraft shut down by 373 00:16:23,720 --> 00:16:27,560 enemy fire . Or 374 00:16:27,560 --> 00:16:31,230 pretty soon , go and vote and 375 00:16:31,230 --> 00:16:34,530 pause for a moment to reflect on that 376 00:16:34,530 --> 00:16:37,710 precious right to choose our leader and 377 00:16:37,710 --> 00:16:40,200 know that that right was earned a 378 00:16:40,200 --> 00:16:42,960 Shannon Kent , Dan Eggers 379 00:16:44,450 --> 00:16:48,090 and hard fought battles . I asked that 380 00:16:48,090 --> 00:16:50,940 each of us remember why we joined and 381 00:16:50,950 --> 00:16:53,980 why we fought and we in uniform and 382 00:16:53,980 --> 00:16:57,880 those of us who came before us , why 383 00:16:57,880 --> 00:16:59,824 were willing toe lay it all on the 384 00:16:59,824 --> 00:17:02,030 altar of freedom so that Americans of 385 00:17:02,030 --> 00:17:04,252 this generation and every generation to 386 00:17:04,252 --> 00:17:08,060 come will remain forever free when taps 387 00:17:08,060 --> 00:17:10,970 is played . It not only signals a 388 00:17:10,970 --> 00:17:13,090 tremendous loss , but it also signals 389 00:17:13,540 --> 00:17:16,320 the reaffirmation of our resolve to 390 00:17:16,320 --> 00:17:18,431 ensure that their memory never dies . 391 00:17:19,440 --> 00:17:22,850 So honor them , tell their story . 392 00:17:24,140 --> 00:17:26,290 Come visit this memorial in the 393 00:17:26,290 --> 00:17:29,370 Pentagon , tell their story because it 394 00:17:29,370 --> 00:17:33,130 was your son or your daughter who 395 00:17:33,130 --> 00:17:36,020 gave Americans our freedom . It was 396 00:17:36,020 --> 00:17:38,590 your father or mother who provided for 397 00:17:38,590 --> 00:17:41,560 the liberties all Americans enjoy today . 398 00:17:41,940 --> 00:17:45,310 So tell their story far and wide tell 399 00:17:45,310 --> 00:17:47,720 the story that this country , these 400 00:17:47,720 --> 00:17:49,942 United States , our values , our flag , 401 00:17:50,440 --> 00:17:52,607 this idea , this experiment of liberty 402 00:17:53,140 --> 00:17:55,140 so conceived of the people , by the 403 00:17:55,140 --> 00:17:58,520 people and for the people the idea of 404 00:17:58,520 --> 00:18:01,860 freedom and equality for all that idea 405 00:18:02,030 --> 00:18:04,830 is still worth fighting for . And each 406 00:18:04,830 --> 00:18:07,670 of you as a gold star family member is 407 00:18:07,670 --> 00:18:11,200 living proof of the sacrifice required 408 00:18:11,200 --> 00:18:13,770 for that idea to continue . So let us 409 00:18:13,770 --> 00:18:16,680 never forget . Let us never forget your 410 00:18:16,680 --> 00:18:18,736 sons and daughters and why they gave 411 00:18:18,736 --> 00:18:20,958 their lives , that they were willing to 412 00:18:20,958 --> 00:18:22,770 sacrifice the promise of their 413 00:18:22,770 --> 00:18:25,100 tomorrows for the brightness and the 414 00:18:25,100 --> 00:18:28,610 freedoms of our today's thank you . And 415 00:18:28,620 --> 00:18:31,560 God bless America . Jane , 416 00:18:36,440 --> 00:18:38,662 thank you so much for your mark . Sir , 417 00:18:38,662 --> 00:18:40,884 You have been such a significant source 418 00:18:40,884 --> 00:18:43,107 of encouragement for Gold Star families 419 00:18:43,107 --> 00:18:44,996 your entire career . And I know , 420 00:18:44,996 --> 00:18:44,620 especially for Jane as she worked to 421 00:18:44,620 --> 00:18:46,842 build this this memorial . Thank you so 422 00:18:46,842 --> 00:18:50,370 much . I am now so pleased to 423 00:18:50,370 --> 00:18:52,592 introduce someone for whom I have great 424 00:18:52,592 --> 00:18:55,140 respect . An individual who is behind 425 00:18:55,150 --> 00:18:57,206 the building of this memorial . This 426 00:18:57,206 --> 00:18:59,317 display here in the Pentagon . I have 427 00:18:59,317 --> 00:19:01,560 known Jane Horton since about the time 428 00:19:01,560 --> 00:19:03,960 when she lost her husband Chris and I 429 00:19:03,960 --> 00:19:06,810 count her as a dear friend . Jane is a 430 00:19:06,810 --> 00:19:09,220 force of nature who bravely chose to 431 00:19:09,220 --> 00:19:11,940 channel her drive and purpose into 432 00:19:11,950 --> 00:19:14,910 honoring Chris by improving the way 433 00:19:14,910 --> 00:19:16,966 that the department defense not only 434 00:19:16,966 --> 00:19:19,930 supports , um , but interacts with Gold 435 00:19:19,930 --> 00:19:22,300 Star families as well as the American 436 00:19:22,300 --> 00:19:25,090 public . She learned early on that the 437 00:19:25,090 --> 00:19:27,201 vast majority of Americans don't know 438 00:19:27,201 --> 00:19:29,257 what the term gold star means in the 439 00:19:29,257 --> 00:19:31,910 military community . Within months of 440 00:19:31,910 --> 00:19:34,132 Chris's death , she moved from Oklahoma 441 00:19:34,132 --> 00:19:36,132 to Washington , D c not not knowing 442 00:19:36,132 --> 00:19:38,500 anyone here all by herself . But here 443 00:19:38,500 --> 00:19:40,722 she made her voice . Heard her presence 444 00:19:40,722 --> 00:19:43,080 felt purely to ensure that Chris and 445 00:19:43,090 --> 00:19:45,201 all others killed in the line of duty 446 00:19:45,201 --> 00:19:47,368 are always remembered through the love 447 00:19:47,368 --> 00:19:49,479 and care and honor of those they left 448 00:19:49,479 --> 00:19:51,720 behind our Gold star families . Today , 449 00:19:51,720 --> 00:19:53,887 Jane serves right here in the Pentagon 450 00:19:53,887 --> 00:19:55,831 as senior adviser to the assistant 451 00:19:55,831 --> 00:19:57,998 Secretary of defense for international 452 00:19:57,998 --> 00:20:00,109 security affairs . We look forward to 453 00:20:00,109 --> 00:20:02,109 hearing from Jane now . Thank you , 454 00:20:02,109 --> 00:20:01,280 Jane . 455 00:20:07,340 --> 00:20:10,920 Uh huh . Thank you , Charlene . Under 456 00:20:10,920 --> 00:20:12,830 Secretary Donovan . Thank you for 457 00:20:12,830 --> 00:20:14,719 hosting today . And thank you for 458 00:20:14,719 --> 00:20:17,110 making today possible . General Milley . 459 00:20:17,120 --> 00:20:19,640 Thank you for being here , Mrs Millie . 460 00:20:19,650 --> 00:20:22,010 Thank you . thank you for being there 461 00:20:22,010 --> 00:20:24,410 for Gold Star families not only today , 462 00:20:24,420 --> 00:20:27,380 but every single day . And I know your 463 00:20:27,380 --> 00:20:29,560 words that you live by them every 464 00:20:29,570 --> 00:20:31,730 single day . I want to thank all the 465 00:20:31,730 --> 00:20:33,786 Gold Star families in the room , all 466 00:20:33,786 --> 00:20:35,897 the Gold Star families listening live 467 00:20:35,897 --> 00:20:37,619 and all of the guests that are 468 00:20:37,619 --> 00:20:40,570 listening live as well . Throughout my 469 00:20:40,570 --> 00:20:42,792 journey as a gold Star wife , it's been 470 00:20:42,792 --> 00:20:44,737 fascinating to me how few know the 471 00:20:44,737 --> 00:20:46,737 definitions of our symbols of honor 472 00:20:46,737 --> 00:20:48,737 that represent our fallen and those 473 00:20:48,737 --> 00:20:50,959 that have paid the ultimate sacrifice . 474 00:20:51,140 --> 00:20:53,530 For me , there's one quote quote that I 475 00:20:53,530 --> 00:20:55,940 hold close to my heart from my personal 476 00:20:55,940 --> 00:20:58,830 hero , Colonel Rebecca Eggers . She 477 00:20:58,830 --> 00:21:01,052 quoted that she not only wears her gold 478 00:21:01,052 --> 00:21:03,880 star pin to signify her own sacrifice , 479 00:21:03,890 --> 00:21:06,350 but mostly because there's a life 480 00:21:06,360 --> 00:21:09,080 behind that pin . When I wear this pin , 481 00:21:09,090 --> 00:21:11,060 I wear it to represent specialist 482 00:21:11,060 --> 00:21:13,180 Christopher Horton because if I don't 483 00:21:13,180 --> 00:21:15,510 tell the world that he existed and tell 484 00:21:15,510 --> 00:21:17,350 their stories , who will know ? 485 00:21:18,740 --> 00:21:20,796 Throughout the past several years of 486 00:21:20,796 --> 00:21:22,907 being a Gold Star wife , I've gleaned 487 00:21:22,907 --> 00:21:24,962 strength from the families that I've 488 00:21:24,962 --> 00:21:27,073 been able to spend time with from the 489 00:21:27,073 --> 00:21:29,129 Gold Star families who have not only 490 00:21:29,129 --> 00:21:31,351 welcomed me into their lives , but into 491 00:21:31,351 --> 00:21:33,296 their homes that have shared their 492 00:21:33,296 --> 00:21:35,518 stories of their heroes that have given 493 00:21:35,518 --> 00:21:38,730 their lives for me . Many of us have 494 00:21:38,730 --> 00:21:41,130 heard the story of King Leonidas of 495 00:21:41,130 --> 00:21:43,900 Sparta . He didn't pick his 300 496 00:21:43,900 --> 00:21:46,122 warriors based off how they would fight 497 00:21:46,122 --> 00:21:48,122 because they were all the best . He 498 00:21:48,122 --> 00:21:50,233 picked his 300 warriors based off the 499 00:21:50,233 --> 00:21:52,320 families that they had off of their 500 00:21:52,320 --> 00:21:54,500 wives and their mothers . He knew that 501 00:21:54,500 --> 00:21:56,500 if the wives and the mothers didn't 502 00:21:56,500 --> 00:21:58,444 hold up after they died , that the 503 00:21:58,444 --> 00:22:00,444 nation would fall . And that is the 504 00:22:00,444 --> 00:22:02,556 strength of our families in America . 505 00:22:02,556 --> 00:22:04,778 That is the strength of the families of 506 00:22:04,778 --> 00:22:04,760 those that have paid the ultimate 507 00:22:04,760 --> 00:22:08,150 sacrifice . When I created the 508 00:22:08,150 --> 00:22:10,730 display , I immediately wanted to tell 509 00:22:10,740 --> 00:22:13,050 the story of the symbols of honor . But 510 00:22:13,050 --> 00:22:15,510 then it hit me that we often don't hear 511 00:22:15,510 --> 00:22:17,870 the stories of the men and women and 512 00:22:17,870 --> 00:22:19,703 the kids and the parents and the 513 00:22:19,703 --> 00:22:22,410 siblings and the spouses that have lost 514 00:22:22,420 --> 00:22:24,700 these American heroes . I want to tell 515 00:22:24,700 --> 00:22:26,756 you about a couple of them today and 516 00:22:26,756 --> 00:22:28,700 about the main inspiration for the 517 00:22:28,700 --> 00:22:31,160 display . In December 518 00:22:31,160 --> 00:22:34,260 2015 I was visiting my father's 519 00:22:34,260 --> 00:22:36,770 hometown in Iowa , and I went on a 520 00:22:36,770 --> 00:22:39,048 little road trip up to Waterloo , Iowa , 521 00:22:39,050 --> 00:22:41,690 to visit Kelly Sullivan . I had met her 522 00:22:41,690 --> 00:22:43,600 a few years earlier , and she has 523 00:22:43,600 --> 00:22:45,711 always been one of my personal heroes 524 00:22:45,711 --> 00:22:48,430 as well . Kelly is the only surviving 525 00:22:48,430 --> 00:22:50,420 granddaughter of the five solvent 526 00:22:50,420 --> 00:22:52,760 brothers who lost their lives aboard 527 00:22:52,770 --> 00:22:56,630 the USS Juneau in 1942 in World War 528 00:22:56,630 --> 00:23:00,480 two . Kelly's father , Jim , was only 529 00:23:00,480 --> 00:23:02,760 one years old when he lost his father , 530 00:23:02,770 --> 00:23:06,380 Albert . Jim had two Children , one of 531 00:23:06,380 --> 00:23:09,520 which was Kelly . Upon entering Kelly's 532 00:23:09,520 --> 00:23:11,300 home , she showed me all the 533 00:23:11,300 --> 00:23:13,380 paraphernalia she had and all the 534 00:23:13,380 --> 00:23:15,602 wonderful memorials and just incredible 535 00:23:15,602 --> 00:23:17,980 things she had for her uncles and her 536 00:23:17,980 --> 00:23:20,550 grandfather . She soon took me 537 00:23:20,550 --> 00:23:22,710 downstairs , and I almost fell to my 538 00:23:22,710 --> 00:23:24,920 knees when I saw the Gold Star flag 539 00:23:24,930 --> 00:23:28,130 with five stars . Little to my 540 00:23:28,130 --> 00:23:30,240 knowledge , Kelly's grandmother , 541 00:23:30,250 --> 00:23:32,960 Katherine , was still alive . She said , 542 00:23:32,960 --> 00:23:35,182 Grandma heard you're coming to town and 543 00:23:35,182 --> 00:23:37,400 she wants to meet you . Catherine 544 00:23:37,400 --> 00:23:39,622 McFarland lost her husband when she was 545 00:23:39,622 --> 00:23:42,770 19 years old , and she welcomed me into 546 00:23:42,770 --> 00:23:44,937 her assisted living home , and it took 547 00:23:44,937 --> 00:23:47,200 her a couple minutes to realize that I 548 00:23:47,200 --> 00:23:49,367 was a gold Star wife a swell , and she 549 00:23:49,367 --> 00:23:52,050 hugged me and she said , I am so sorry 550 00:23:52,740 --> 00:23:55,030 And she told me her story and I told 551 00:23:55,030 --> 00:23:57,030 her for a long as I lived , I would 552 00:23:57,030 --> 00:23:58,974 tell the American people about the 553 00:23:58,974 --> 00:24:00,808 largest loss of life in American 554 00:24:00,808 --> 00:24:02,808 history from not only her husband , 555 00:24:02,808 --> 00:24:05,250 Albert , but from his four brothers as 556 00:24:05,250 --> 00:24:08,300 well . What money don't know about that 557 00:24:08,300 --> 00:24:10,830 story is first of all , on Lee . A 558 00:24:10,830 --> 00:24:13,860 month later , Catherine lost her life . 559 00:24:14,640 --> 00:24:16,696 She passed away , and I was the last 560 00:24:16,696 --> 00:24:18,751 person she ever told that story to . 561 00:24:19,140 --> 00:24:21,307 The other part of that story that most 562 00:24:21,307 --> 00:24:23,362 people don't realize is that the day 563 00:24:23,362 --> 00:24:25,307 that Thomas and Elita solve in the 564 00:24:25,307 --> 00:24:27,529 parents of the five boys found out that 565 00:24:27,529 --> 00:24:29,900 there five boys were killed . They went 566 00:24:29,900 --> 00:24:32,210 back to work on the railroad . They 567 00:24:32,210 --> 00:24:34,266 knew they were imperative to get the 568 00:24:34,266 --> 00:24:36,266 troops what they needed for the war 569 00:24:36,266 --> 00:24:38,377 effort . And they put their own grief 570 00:24:38,377 --> 00:24:40,599 and loss aside to go ahead and continue 571 00:24:40,599 --> 00:24:42,766 to serve . They also spent over a year 572 00:24:42,766 --> 00:24:44,877 going out with the U . S . Government 573 00:24:44,877 --> 00:24:47,043 on a war bond tour . They wanted to do 574 00:24:47,043 --> 00:24:49,099 all they could to help the troops on 575 00:24:49,099 --> 00:24:52,940 the ground . The other story I would 576 00:24:52,940 --> 00:24:55,107 like to tell you is the story of Miles 577 00:24:55,107 --> 00:24:58,110 Eckert . Miles lost his father , Army 578 00:24:58,110 --> 00:25:00,440 Sergeant Andy Eckert , when he was only 579 00:25:00,440 --> 00:25:02,900 about two months old . A couple years 580 00:25:02,900 --> 00:25:05,100 ago , Miles had one of the most viral 581 00:25:05,100 --> 00:25:07,410 stories ever known in American history . 582 00:25:07,420 --> 00:25:09,640 He was eight years old and he was in 583 00:25:09,640 --> 00:25:11,696 Cracker Barrel with his mom , and he 584 00:25:11,696 --> 00:25:14,880 found a $20 bill on the ground . He 585 00:25:14,880 --> 00:25:17,420 took that $20 bill and he saw a soldier 586 00:25:17,420 --> 00:25:19,476 that was eating next to him , and he 587 00:25:19,476 --> 00:25:21,698 wrote him a note . And he said , I want 588 00:25:21,698 --> 00:25:23,809 you to have this $20 bill because you 589 00:25:23,809 --> 00:25:26,031 remind me of my father who is in heaven 590 00:25:26,031 --> 00:25:28,031 and I want to pay it forward And it 591 00:25:28,031 --> 00:25:30,198 started a national movement across the 592 00:25:30,198 --> 00:25:32,142 country to pay it forward , and he 593 00:25:32,142 --> 00:25:34,198 ended up raising over $2 million for 594 00:25:34,198 --> 00:25:36,420 Children that have lost their parents . 595 00:25:37,540 --> 00:25:40,400 General George Casey , the former chief 596 00:25:40,400 --> 00:25:42,940 of staff of the Army , lost his father , 597 00:25:42,950 --> 00:25:45,830 Major General George Casey , in Vietnam 598 00:25:45,840 --> 00:25:49,130 in 1970 . He went on to be the highest 599 00:25:49,130 --> 00:25:51,186 ranking officer in the United States 600 00:25:51,186 --> 00:25:53,480 Army . As mentioned several times , 601 00:25:53,480 --> 00:25:55,660 Colonel Rebecca Eggers continues to 602 00:25:55,660 --> 00:25:57,382 serve after her loss and be an 603 00:25:57,382 --> 00:25:59,160 inspiration to so many people . 604 00:26:00,340 --> 00:26:02,780 Throughout each wartime in American 605 00:26:02,780 --> 00:26:04,960 history , the quiet ranks of Gold Star 606 00:26:04,960 --> 00:26:07,016 families have stood up and served in 607 00:26:07,016 --> 00:26:09,630 the midst of our loss . Our strength 608 00:26:09,810 --> 00:26:11,921 Gold Star families sacrifice in their 609 00:26:11,921 --> 00:26:14,440 spirit inspires the nation and the men 610 00:26:14,440 --> 00:26:16,607 and women who continue to serve in the 611 00:26:16,607 --> 00:26:19,130 military . Today we stand beside you in 612 00:26:19,130 --> 00:26:21,910 uniforms . We no way no , that you 613 00:26:21,910 --> 00:26:24,077 share our losses with us , and we want 614 00:26:24,077 --> 00:26:26,077 you to know we're strong and we are 615 00:26:26,077 --> 00:26:30,030 resilient . I want to tell a little bit 616 00:26:30,030 --> 00:26:32,141 about the display as well and some of 617 00:26:32,141 --> 00:26:33,863 the things that are on it . As 618 00:26:33,863 --> 00:26:35,697 mentioned with the five Sullivan 619 00:26:35,697 --> 00:26:37,960 brothers , they are in the display for 620 00:26:37,960 --> 00:26:40,071 the first round . The display changes 621 00:26:40,071 --> 00:26:42,330 every six months . It's going to rotate 622 00:26:42,340 --> 00:26:44,680 with a story of a Gold Star family 623 00:26:44,680 --> 00:26:46,791 that's carrying on their loved ones . 624 00:26:46,791 --> 00:26:48,990 Legacy of service . Kelly actually 625 00:26:48,990 --> 00:26:51,350 wrote a beautiful snippet that's on the 626 00:26:51,350 --> 00:26:54,590 display currently today we also have 627 00:26:54,600 --> 00:26:57,500 the family of Sergeant first class 628 00:26:57,510 --> 00:26:59,810 offering Arteaga , who was killed in 629 00:26:59,810 --> 00:27:02,310 Afghanistan with the 101st in March of 630 00:27:02,310 --> 00:27:05,470 2011 . His 11 year old son , 631 00:27:05,470 --> 00:27:07,830 Austin , is featured in the display , 632 00:27:07,840 --> 00:27:11,340 as well as his wife , Shawna . Also the 633 00:27:11,340 --> 00:27:13,451 Gold Star . Children of chief warrant 634 00:27:13,451 --> 00:27:15,910 officer to Jonathan Farmer , who was 635 00:27:15,910 --> 00:27:19,660 killed in Syria january 16th 2019 636 00:27:19,670 --> 00:27:21,837 helped pick out the background for the 637 00:27:21,837 --> 00:27:23,948 display . They came into the Pentagon 638 00:27:23,948 --> 00:27:26,170 and help pick out which color it should 639 00:27:26,170 --> 00:27:28,560 be , which texture and they loved 640 00:27:28,560 --> 00:27:31,500 helping . Also , I want to mention that 641 00:27:31,500 --> 00:27:34,240 the Gold Star flag was handmade by two 642 00:27:34,240 --> 00:27:37,580 Gold Star moms . Betty Sue Vincent and 643 00:27:37,580 --> 00:27:39,950 Tammy Clark handmade it in honor of 644 00:27:39,950 --> 00:27:43,280 their sons , private first class Donald 645 00:27:43,280 --> 00:27:46,400 Wayne Vincent and Lance Corporal Philip 646 00:27:46,400 --> 00:27:48,570 Paul Clark , who were both killed in 647 00:27:48,570 --> 00:27:50,181 action in Helmand province , 648 00:27:50,181 --> 00:27:53,880 Afghanistan . I want to 649 00:27:53,880 --> 00:27:56,047 thank you all for being here today . I 650 00:27:56,047 --> 00:27:58,269 want to thank you for the support . And 651 00:27:58,269 --> 00:28:00,436 I also want to say a final word to our 652 00:28:00,436 --> 00:28:02,610 service members . I know you have 653 00:28:02,610 --> 00:28:04,832 shared our losses with us , and we want 654 00:28:04,832 --> 00:28:06,999 you to know is gold star families that 655 00:28:06,999 --> 00:28:09,221 we love you and we stand with you . And 656 00:28:09,221 --> 00:28:11,499 we served beside you and we are strong . 657 00:28:11,499 --> 00:28:12,260 Thank you . 658 00:28:18,440 --> 00:28:20,690 Thank you , Jane . I know I speak for a 659 00:28:20,690 --> 00:28:22,746 lot of people who love you . who are 660 00:28:22,746 --> 00:28:24,968 watching and are here in spirit . And I 661 00:28:24,968 --> 00:28:27,180 say I'm so proud of you . Um body 662 00:28:27,180 --> 00:28:29,090 resiliency . You are the very 663 00:28:29,090 --> 00:28:31,940 definition of that . We are now so 664 00:28:31,940 --> 00:28:33,996 pleased to turn our attention to the 665 00:28:33,996 --> 00:28:36,051 official ribbon cutting ceremony for 666 00:28:36,051 --> 00:28:38,273 the Pentagon's newest permanent display 667 00:28:38,273 --> 00:28:39,996 and the Onley one specifically 668 00:28:39,996 --> 00:28:41,884 dedicated to Gold Star families . 669 00:28:41,884 --> 00:28:44,051 Because of the location of the display 670 00:28:44,051 --> 00:28:46,273 right in the heart of the Pentagon , we 671 00:28:46,273 --> 00:28:48,107 are unable to bring a live video 672 00:28:48,107 --> 00:28:49,773 connection . So earlier , our 673 00:28:49,773 --> 00:28:51,884 distinguished guests took part in the 674 00:28:51,884 --> 00:28:53,996 ribbon cutting ceremony . So , ladies 675 00:28:53,996 --> 00:28:53,880 and gentlemen , the ribbon cutting 676 00:28:53,880 --> 00:28:55,920 ceremony for the Gold Star families 677 00:28:55,930 --> 00:28:56,986 Pentagon display . 678 00:29:02,440 --> 00:29:04,496 It's an honor to officially dedicate 679 00:29:04,496 --> 00:29:06,720 the gold Star display that memorializes 680 00:29:06,720 --> 00:29:09,140 the ultimate sacrifice of our fallen 681 00:29:09,140 --> 00:29:11,370 servicemen and women and the families 682 00:29:11,370 --> 00:29:13,481 who continue to serve as their living 683 00:29:13,481 --> 00:29:15,790 legacies . Our nation is forever 684 00:29:15,790 --> 00:29:17,568 grateful for their selfless and 685 00:29:17,568 --> 00:29:19,679 dedicated service , and we will never 686 00:29:19,679 --> 00:29:21,623 forget them . Chairman Millie Miss 687 00:29:21,623 --> 00:29:23,790 Wharton , would you join me in cutting 688 00:29:23,790 --> 00:29:25,123 the ceremonial ribbon ? 689 00:29:30,140 --> 00:29:32,196 Thank you very much , German . Thank 690 00:29:32,196 --> 00:29:34,500 you , Miss Jane . Thank you , Colonel 691 00:29:34,500 --> 00:29:35,500 Eggers . 692 00:29:38,340 --> 00:29:40,451 And this concludes the ribbon cutting 693 00:29:40,451 --> 00:29:42,451 ceremony in remembrance of our Gold 694 00:29:42,451 --> 00:29:44,284 Star families . We recognize the 695 00:29:44,284 --> 00:29:46,396 significant contribution of Assistant 696 00:29:46,396 --> 00:29:48,507 Secretary of defense for manpower and 697 00:29:48,507 --> 00:29:50,780 Reserve affairs . Miss V . Penrod and 698 00:29:50,790 --> 00:29:52,623 her deputy assistant secretary , 699 00:29:52,623 --> 00:29:54,679 defense for military , community and 700 00:29:54,679 --> 00:29:56,901 family policy . Miss Kim Joyner and her 701 00:29:56,901 --> 00:29:58,846 team for their efforts , including 702 00:29:58,846 --> 00:30:00,957 David Julian . And we recognize those 703 00:30:00,957 --> 00:30:02,734 who played a role in the actual 704 00:30:02,734 --> 00:30:04,957 building of the display . Kathy Jones , 705 00:30:04,957 --> 00:30:06,901 Catherine Zika Foose and Gold Star 706 00:30:06,901 --> 00:30:09,012 family members . Sean and Alston , Rh 707 00:30:09,012 --> 00:30:11,123 Aga , Betty Sue Vincent , Tammy Clark 708 00:30:11,123 --> 00:30:13,234 and Betsy Devin Preston and Priscilla 709 00:30:13,234 --> 00:30:15,512 Farmer . For all of us at the Pentagon , 710 00:30:15,512 --> 00:30:17,568 Thank you for being with us , and we 711 00:30:17,568 --> 00:30:19,623 hope that you will join us on future 712 00:30:19,623 --> 00:30:20,060 events on military one source .