A Gold Star Mom Celebrates the Life of her Son, Solider, and Hero
For families who have lost loved ones in military service, Memorial Day is much more than a federal holiday. It is a day to remember the lives of real, flesh-and-blood heroes. Many people nationwide celebrate the holiday by spending time with family and friends, but others find themselves kneeling beside the graves of their children. These special mothers and fathers are called “Gold Star Parents.”
Heroic Love
Ronna Jackson is a Gold Star mother who lost her son, Staff Sergeant (SSG.) John A. Reiners, in 2010 while he was serving the United States Army in Afghanistan. For her, every day is Memorial Day and she has dedicated much of her life to helping veterans in her community in Greater Gainesville.
There are approximately 2,400 homeless veterans in Florida. Jackson feels passionately that no veteran should be homeless or unsupported.
“These are people who have given the ultimate sacrifice for people that they don’t even know. They give up their todays so that we can have our tomorrows.” Jackson said.
As part of the American Legion Auxiliary, Jackson helps put on an event called the Annual Blessing Bucket, where she honors her fallen son by caring for veterans in need.
Every year the legion gathers important personal items like socks, shower curtains, towels, blankets and other critical items veterans may be lacking. Then each November, veterans from the community are transported to the American Legion Auxiliary Post where they are served a home-cooked, Thanksgiving-style meal. Afterwards, they are invited to receive a free haircut and collect as many personal items as they want.
“It’s rewarding to see a veteran smile and leave with confidence that they can survive and to know that there are people right here in the community that support them,” Jackson said.
It can be easy to go about Memorial Day without slowing down to reflect, but Jackson reminds everyone that what they have is because service members risk and give their lives to protect this country’s freedom.
“We owe everything to our veterans,” Jackson said.
Not a day goes by when she does not think of her son or pay tribute to the sacrifice he made for others’ freedom.
This Memorial Day
Jackson makes a point to thank every veteran she sees for their service. Saying thank you or shaking the hand of a veteran is seemingly something small, yet to a veteran, it can mean the world.
This Memorial holiday Jackson asks that before Americans spend the day driving to the beach or buying groceries for a BBQ with friends, they take a moment from the day to think of the heroes that sacrificed their very lives on behalf of their fellow countrymen. It is important to her that all remember –– the day can be enjoyed because someone else fought for the ability to do so.
For Jackson and all Gold Star parents, the most important thing is that her child, and forever hero, are never forgotten.
This article is dedicated to the life and service of SSG. John A. Reiners.
By Simone Flanigan.