Tim and Carmen Stanford are known for their love and support of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit through their daughter Emma’s work via Emma Loves K9s. Their family is also part of a very special group of Americans known as Gold Star Families.
Today, as we recognize Memorial Day and those who have served and given their lives for our nation’s freedom, Tim Stanford shares more about his son, U.S. Army Sgt. Lukas T. Stanford.
Share with readers why Memorial Day is so powerful for your family. Â
On Memorial Day our family relives the moment of receiving the dreaded knock on the door. It is a day full of grief and sadness. Our emotions can become overwhelming just as they did when my son died. Every Memorial Day represents the selflessness, the character, and the love for this country that he showed.
Why should Americans never forget the true meaning behind Memorial Day?
Your freedom of speech, your freedom of choice, your freedom to protest, your freedom to enjoy your religion, and to vote are because of the soldiers who swore an oath to the Constitution and paid for it with their lives. Memorial Day has deep roots in our history as a day of remembrance. As Americans, we owe it to the families they left behind, to the freedoms they fought for on our behalf, to respect this holiday.
What can we do to better recognize those who have sacrificed everything for our nation’s freedom?
Show respect for the true meaning of Memorial Day. Remember that fellow Americans have lost mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters in defense of our country. It is important that Gold Star families are recognized in town ceremonies or programs such as the Palm Coast Fire Department. This program dedicates every year a fire truck to a fallen soldier. This year I also had a chance to watch the Memorial Day Ceremony for Fallen Officers by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. Every Gold Star Family deserves and hopes for the same heartfelt ceremony.
How does your family honor your son not just Memorial Day but everyday?
Our family is committed to ensuring that his legacy continues and he is never forgotten. Luke’s name and service to this country will live on for as long as America exists, as Congresswoman Kat Cammack introduced his name in the Congressional Records. Our gratitude to her cannot be adequately expressed. Luke died 14 years ago, and not a day has passed by since then that we haven’t talked about him or shared memories, especially with his sister Emma who was 5 months old when Luke died.
How can we best honor those whose lives have been given and their families?
Take a moment to remember and honor those who risked everything and died in defense of our freedom. If you know a Gold Star Family reach out to them. It means the world to us.
