Marion Gray of Calais has taken the grief of losing her son at war to helping other grieving families.

Marion Gray of Calais, Vermont, the spokesperson for Vermont Fallen Families, a group made up of families who have lost loved ones in Iraq and Afghanistan, will be one of the guest speakers at a tribute to Gold Star Families planned for May 23 in Derby. Mrs. Gray's son, Sgt. Jamie Gray, was killed in Iraq on June 7, 2004.                                                    

The event, which is hosted by Scott and Penny Wheeler and Family of Derby, along with the Elks Lodge in Derby, will pay tribute to the Gold Star Families of Vermont—families who have lost loved ones in this country's wars and other 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.

Sgt. Jamie Gray was killed in action on June 7, 2004.