From the death of United States Air Force Master Sergeant Michael Heiser and 18 other service members in the Khobar Towers bombing of 1996, to the passing of 19 service members in 1983 during Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada, Memorial Day remembrances in Flagler County seemed to touch every generation, resonating with attendees of all ages at events across the community on Monday.
Palm Coast’s Heroes
Opening the day with a ceremony in Heroes Park, Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin paid his respects to the families of those whose names are engraved on the City of Palm Coast’s Military Memorial, including Gold Star Mother Cathy Heighter.
Helping to place the wreaths during the ceremony, Heighter is one of Flagler County’s most visible Gold Star advocates, and even after nearly two decades, still feels the loss of her son, U.S. Army SPC Raheen Tyson Heighter.
“I lost him July 24, 2003. He was stationed in Iraq. I am so honored to be here each and every Memorial Day to remember my son as I have done almost for the last 19 years,” she said.
“Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him and remember the sacrifice he and so many of our brave-hearted men and women have made for our country and our freedom.”
Alfin, whose own son was killed in the line of duty as a member of the FBI in 2021 is grateful for the people who have stepped forward to protect and defend the nation with their life.
“What’s important about Memorial Day today is the coming together of more than one generation,” said Alfin.
“There’s an older generation that has been here for many, many years that memorializes those that we’ve lost in a certain way, but there’s also a newer, younger generation which is coming to our ceremonies. They memorialize in a different way, so the key here is to communicate a message that balances the memory of all of those we’ve lost, and it’s very important. This is a chance for our city and our county to all come together in one event, thinking all the same thing, here as a neighborhood, as a community.
“I went to sleep last night knowing that I would wake up safe today. I have the honor of being able to get up in front of a group of people today and say what I want to say. The reason I can do that is because of all of those that have given their life to protect our right for me to do just that,” he said.
How Do We Talk to Gold Star Families?
Throughout the day, Gold Star families shared the painful loss of family, friends and colleagues by way of social media or by speaking about the tragic circumstances behind the loss. The passing of a loved one is a delicate subject and for Gold Star families, while it conjures up the sorrow, it also provides a chance to talk about the loved one.
“I love being asked about my son because when I’m asked about my son, it gives me another opportunity to remember him and honor him,” said Heighter. “That’s what all of our fallen heroes deserve.”
Read More: The Big Five … with Gold Star Family Tim Stanford In Remembrance of Lukas T. Stanford
Read More: Flagler County Commemorates & Celebrates America’s Heroes
