Home Past Events Honoring the Sacrifices of Vermont’s Gold Star Families
Honoring the Sacrifices of Vermont’s Gold Star Families PDF Print E-mail
Written by Scott Wheeler   
Monday, 02 February 2009 21:22

 

What do Andy Pepin of Newport and Nathan and Vicki Strong of Albany have in common? They belong to one group that nobody hopes to join –Gold Star Families - families who have lost loved ones in America's wars and other armed conflicts.
Mr. Pepin lost his brother, Alfred, in World War II, while the Strongs' son, Jesse, was killed in Iraq.

On May 23 Scott and Penny Wheeler of Derby and their family, along with the Elks Lodge in Derby, will pay tribute to the Gold Star Families of Vermont—people who have lost loved ones in this country's wars and armed conflicts, past and present. The event, which will take place at the Elks Lodge in Derby from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., is free and open to the public. It will serve as a time for the community to recognize the family members whose loved ones paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for their country.
Honoring veterans is an annual tradition for the Wheelers, who are the owners of Vermont's Northland Journal. They have hosted a number of events to honor them. Among the events, in 2007 they and the members of the Elks Lodge in Derby teamed up to recognize the Korean and Vietnam veterans. Then in 2008 the Wheelers and the Elks came together again to thank the veterans of World War II . The Wheelers and the Elks are now working together on this solemn event.
If you have lost a loved one in war and you'd like to share a photo and a short story about the person you lost for publication on the web, and possibly in newsprint, please forward it to the Wheelers at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Scanned photos must be scanned at 300 dpi or greater. Or you can send the photos and stories to P.O. Box 812, Derby, Vermont 05829.
People with questions can contact the Wheelers by email, or by calling 802-334-5920. They will also be announcing any updates on this website.

Jesse Strong of Albany was killed in Iraq.

Alfred Pepin, a Newport native, was killed in action during World War II.

 
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 24 November 2009 08:56 )
 

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