PHOTOS: Gold Star Mother's Day observance, Missouri Veterans Memorial

CLICK HERE to read a related article.

Sandra Deraps, a member of Annunciation Parish in California, whose youngest son died in action in Iraq in 2006, and Jefferson City Veterans Council President Donald Hentges, a Vietnam War veteran and member of St. Martin parish in St. Martins, speak of the sacrifice and lingering grief felt by families who have had friends and loved ones die in the line of duty. They were part of a Sept. 27 Gold Star Mother’s Day observance at the Missouri Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in Jefferson City. A gold star symbolizes the loss of a family member in service to their country. A local group is raising money to build a stone marker near the Capitol to honor Missouri’s Gold Star Families. (28 photos)