On Armed Forces Day (May 16th), several members of Post 178 gathered at the home of Mary and Chris Bush awaiting the arrival of the “Tribute to Fallen Soldiers” motorcade and their presentation to honor Peter J Courcy’s sacrifice and let this Gold Star family know that they and their fallen soldier were not forgotten. The motorcade included a Humvee and 4 soldiers, Patriot Guard Riders and several other motorcycle groups. Our Post and ALR were represented by Brett Ragsdale, Tony Sanniola, Phyllis Sutton and George Sutton.
After a moving presentation by the contingent of a memorial plaque and portrait, the latter presented by a another Gold Star family, Mary (Peter’s mom) spoke and thanked the group for recognizing Pete, the family and keeping his memory alive. Pete’s grandparents were also in attendance.
This stop was one of 10 made to Gold Star families in North Central Texas during the weekend and one of 7 on this Saturday. George and Phyllis were asked to join the motorcade and rode to the next stop in Aubrey where another similar presentation was made. During a conversation between Wayne (the organizer) and George, it was noted that during the presentation that morning to a Plano family who had lost their son in 2004, the father openly wept and stated that after 11 years, he thought his son’s sacrifice might be forgotten…
George has committed our ALR Chapter to support this effort next year and would ask the Post to do so well visiting other Gold Star families to honor them and their fallen loved ones.
