Parking Spaces Available for Gold Star Families

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Gold Star Family (GSF) designated parking signs were recently placed outside high traffic facilities aboard Naval Station Norfolk (NAVSTA).

GSF are families of those who died serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and identified by a gold star lapel button.

The gold star lapel button or gold star pin is distributed according to strict Department of Defense guidelines for service members who have lost their lives in conflict or in support of certain military operations. By law, a gold star lapel button was to be furnished without cost, to the widow and to each of the parents and the next of kin of the fallen warrior.

In effort to support, a Commander Navy Installations Command (CNIC) directive was released to provide guidance in implementing designated parking spaces and signage. The intent of the directive is to honor and recognize the sacrifice of family members who have lost a loved one in military service, to educate the Navy community, and to bring awareness to the general public.

As part of the initiative, NAVSTA personnel posted signs on designated parking spaces on and off base. The placement of parking signs was spearheaded by Gary Evans, special operations department head.

"The signs were mostly posted in parking areas of facilities with high traffic such as the commissary, Navy Exchange, and the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) to name a few," said Evans. "The signs will help the families to easily access the facilities."

Aside from the placement of parking spaces and signage, the directive also imposes awareness and significance of the gold star emblem.

"The parking signs signify that we do not forget our promise to take care of the loved ones our fallen warriors left behind," said Evans. "Furthermore, it will increase understanding of those who are not aware of the immensity of the gold star's meaning."

In a Presidential Proclamation Sept. 28, 2012, President Barack Obama said, "They are parents who face the loss of a child, spouses who carry an emptiness that cannot be filled, children who know sorrow that defies comprehension. The grief they hold in their hearts is a grief most cannot fully know. But as fellow Americans, we must lend our strength to those families who have given so much for our country. Their burdens are ones that no one should have to bear alone, and it is up to all of us to live our lives in a way worthy of their sacrifice,"

The president proclaimed the 30th day of September to be remembered as Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day in sympathy and respect for the nation's gold star mothers and families.