Assembly's Salas honors Gold Star mothers and families with tree planting at Camp Hamilton

Local veterans and community groups such as the Kern River Blue Star Mothers, White Forest Nursery, Kern Oil and the Army Cadets of California, Bakersfield Chapter, also joined the event. At the ceremony, Gold Star parents shared stories about their children who served and died for our country before planting a tree at the Memorial Park to memorialize those lost in war and the Gold Star families who live with their loss.

“As a community, it is important that we continue to support and stand with Gold Star families to recognize and honor their lost loved ones,” said Salas. “I would like to thank Camp Hamilton for hosting this ceremony today. It is important, we continue to keep these local heroes in our memory, never forgetting the cost of freedom. Gold Star Mothers and families are truly some of the most patriotic and supportive members of our community.”

One of the mothers in attendance who spoke at the ceremony was Patty Reis, a member of the Kern County Gold Star Mothers Chapter. Mrs. Reis’s son, David, a 25-year-old U.S. Navy aviator was killed in 2012. After this tragic loss, Mrs. Reis dedicated herself to helping other parents in her community who were coping with the loss of a child through the Gold Star Mothers and other similar support groups.

“The Bakersfield Chapter of American Gold Star Mothers extends our grateful appreciation to Assemblyman Rudy Salas, his staff, all the volunteers and donors from Camp Hamilton, and White Forest Nursery, for providing us with the opportunity to honor and remember our sons’ and daughters’ military service to this great nation,” said Patty Reis, member of the Kern County Gold Star Mothers.  “A living tree is a fitting and beautiful memorial to their lives, their service, their courage, and commitment.  They each took an oath to support and protect our Constitution, and they each lost their lives while carrying out that promise.”

Salas authored Assembly Concurrent Resolution 61 to recognize Gold Star Mothers’ and Families’ Day in California. Gold Star Mothers’ and Families’ Day is observed on the last Sunday in September to recognize surviving military mothers and families and honor the legacy of service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.