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DURHAM — The Gold Star Family Dinner Committee invites the public to attend a special event honoring relatives of service members who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military.
The statewide dinner will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park, 4700 Emperor Blvd.
Organizers say the dinner presents an opportunity for the public to support Gold Star family members — including spouses, parents and siblings — and their communities. The evening will focus on bringing together people from throughout the state and Gold Star family members to gather, give recognition and make new connections. In addition to dinner, the event includes a presentation of colors and gifts for the families.
“The anticipation of being able to connect these families to one another and their community is palpable,” said Cara Coleman, co-chair of the Gold Star Family Dinner Committee. “While their immeasurable loss is something we cannot take away, we’re here for them to help carry the memory of their loved ones and say their names.”
Organizers ask people to spread the word and share the invitation with friends and family. Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are available.
“People in the community are needed to carry out the mission of this dinner, whether they purchase a ticket to attend, make a donation or volunteer their time,” Coleman said. “We want this to be like one big family dinner table, sharing a meal with our Gold Star families and honoring the lives and legacies of their precious loved ones.”
Up to three members of each immediate Gold Star family may attend for free by visiting www.goldstarfamilydinner.org and clicking on “Family Registration” in the menu bar. Tickets for the general public are $30 per person and can be purchased on the event website.
The Gold Star Family Dinner was founded in 2022 by the Purple Heart Foundation of N.C. and the Military Order of the Purple Heart Department of North Carolina. The organizations host annual appreciation banquets throughout the state honoring Purple Heart recipients who were wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. military.
Early registration is encouraged before tables are filled. For more information or to register, volunteer or sponsor, visit www.goldstarfamilydinner.org.
