FORT RUCKER— Fort Rucker observed its annual Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day Luminary Service on Sept. 28 at Wings Chapel, honoring the families of fallen service members.
The tradition, established by a 1936 proclamation from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, has expanded to recognize all Gold Star families and is observed nationwide on the last Sunday of September.
Soldiers, civilians, and community members gathered with Gold Star families for the evening ceremony, remembering those who gave their lives and reaffirming support for their loved ones.
Organized by Survivor Outreach Services, the event emphasized long-term care for surviving families through counseling, benefits support, and community connection. SOS coordinator Rana Love reminded attendees, “Their service members are not forgotten.”
Fort Rucker Chaplain Lt. Col. Michael Johnson encouraged families to grieve with hope, finding healing and strength through faith and community.
Families in attendance honored the legacies of Sgt. 1st Class Tom Butts, Pfc. John Brown, Capt. Ben Smith, Sgt. James Hicks, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Keith Yoakum, Spc. Brendan Neenan, and 1st Sgt. Brenda Moore.
Looking ahead, the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker will host a Day of Remembrance Ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 1 p.m. at the Army Aviation Museum to honor Soldiers who fought in the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu.
The event will commemorate the courage and sacrifice of service members who took part in Operation Gothic Serpent, a mission carried out in Somalia on Oct. 3–4, 1993.
Colonel (Ret.) Larry Perino will serve as the guest speaker. In 1993, Perino was a platoon leader with the 75th Ranger Regiment and deployed to Somalia as part of Task Force Ranger. His unit’s actions were later chronicled in the book and film Black Hawk Down, as well as in the Netflix documentary Surviving Black Hawk Down.
For his actions during the battle, Perino was awarded the Silver Star, one of the nation’s highest awards for valor.
The ceremony is open to the public and will provide an opportunity for Soldiers, families, and community members to pay tribute to those who served during the intense battle.
