Lake Havasu City Gold Star Mothers Honored Sunday

By Becky Maxedon

Sunday was a day set aside to honor Gold Star Mothers in Lake Havasu City.

Gold Star Mother’s Day Candlelight Ceremony was commemorated by a host of government officials and dignitaries who came together to acknowledge those mothers who have lost sons and daughters in service to the United States.

“The Gold Star Mother’s Day Candlelight Ceremony is important to bring the sacrifices that the mothers and families have made for our freedom to the forefront of everyone’s minds. We should never forget,” said Cindy Ritter, Military Moms President.

Photo Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Mayor Cal Sheehy, U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar and State Sen. Sonny Borelli spoke at the ceremony.

Family members and friends lit candles in memory of those who lost their lives in military service.

Sally Hooke lost her son Sgt. Josiah Harris Oct. 6, 2016. Harris served as a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps and as a sergeant in the U.S. Army and in the Army Reserves.

“My son is Josiah Harris. Today, since it’s so close to the anniversary of my son’s death, it’s very emotional. But it’s an honor and I am proud of my son,” Hooke said.

Hooke’s friend Kasheena Miles lit the candle in honor of Harris.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Another Gold Star Mother, Carol Merritt was honoring her son Aaron Merritt. SSG Merritt lost his life on Oct. 28, 2014. He served three tours of deployment over 7 ½ years of active duty in the U.S. Army. He served one tour in Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan.

“The ceremony today was just a remembrance of all of the mothers who have lost their sons in service to our country and how much we appreciate everyone who has taken the time to honor our sons and daughters,” Merritt said.

Merritt’s grandson Xavier Merritt lit the candle for Aaron Merritt.