Gold Star Monument dedicated to mothers of fallen heroes

LAREDO, Tx (KGNS) - Families of those who served in the military gathered for a special ceremony to remember their loved ones at Laredo’s city cemetery.

Families and veterans of all foreign wars gathered to remember their brothers and sisters who served in the armed forces.

In an effort to honor the legacy and memory of our fallen, a special ceremony and unveiling took place on Monday morning.

In a city that deeply supports those who have served our country, Memorial Day is a reminder to Laredoans to take a moment and honor those who sacrificed their life for this country.

For Elizabeth Holguin Espinoza, it was the second Memorial Day since losing her son Marine Lance Corporal David Lee Espinoza.

For Holguin Espinoza, it’s a day that is in a way much like the others.

“Memorial Day for me, as a Gold Star Mom for me is every day is Memorial Day, there’s some days harder than others. But I just try to remember that he was loving what he was doing and that brings me peace in me,” said Holguin-Espinoza.

Organized by the American Legion Post 59, dozens gathered at the hero’s hall for the unveiling of a Gold Star Monument.

The ribbon cutting was done by a group of local Gold Star Mothers.

Juana Maria Rodriguez, Cecilia Arizola, and Elizabeth Holguin-Espinoza whose children lost their lives while serving.

Vietnam Veteran Jesus Segovia says their unbreakable bond comes from understanding the great pain they have gone through.

“There’s no words to express the grief that a person goes through when they give you the news that your son or daughter have been killed in action,” said Segovia.

Another reminder of the journey those who served go through is the battlefield cross. It represents the final moments fallen heroes go through.

“The boots were the last steps that that fallen soldier gave, the weapon, his rifle has his dog tag, his id tag, identifying him so we never forget them, and the helmet that signifies the patriotism that they were defending which is our country. There’s nothing more commemorative and significant on this day.”, said American Legion Post 850 Commander Hector Gutierrez.

More than 280 people from Laredo have died in combat in the different wars.

According to the American Legion post 59, these ceremonies and monuments are dedicated to every one of them in Laredo and Webb County. Over the weekend, Governor Greg Abbott joined members of the Texas Legislature during a Memorial Day ceremony.

Governor Abbott recognized six fallen service members including Lance Corporal David Espinoza of Rio Bravo.

The Gold Star Monument stands at the city cemetery in a place where people can visit and pay their respects.

For more headlines. click here.

Copyright 2023 KGNS. All rights reserved.