Manatee County Unveils Gold Star Memorial and Renames Portion of Buckeye Road in Tribute to Fallen Heroes
In a moving tribute to America’s fallen service members and their families, Manatee County officials hosted the unveiling of the Gold Star Memorial Kiosk and Highway Sign on Friday, May 23, at the Downtown Administration Building. The event honored the ultimate sacrifices made by military personnel and the enduring strength of the families they left behind.
The term "Gold Star Family" traces its origins to World War I, when families displayed service flags in their windows. Blue stars represented active-duty members, while gold stars symbolized a loved one who had died in service. Over the years, "Gold Star" has become a nationally recognized designation honoring families of fallen military personnel.
The ceremony was emceed by District 4 Commissioner Mike Rahn, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. It featured an invocation by retired Air Force Major Pastor Willie Holley and a Pledge of Allegiance led by Navy veteran and county IT specialist John Sharp.
Guest speakers included retired Marine Corps Master Sergeant Edward G. Valdez, military liaison from Congressman Vern Buchanan’s office, and At-Large Commissioner Jason Bearden, also a Marine Corps veteran. Stefenie Hernandez, a member of a Gold Star family, delivered a touching reflection on the lasting impact of such a loss.
In conjunction with the memorial kiosk, Manatee County also unveiled plans to rename a portion of Buckeye Road in Parrish as part of the Gold Star Family Highway designation. The renamed stretch will serve as a lasting tribute to those who gave their lives in defense of the nation, ensuring their memory is honored by all who travel the route.
The memorial kiosk and new highway sign are part of the county’s ongoing commitment to recognizing military service and supporting the families who bear its greatest burden. The public was invited to attend the unveiling ceremony and join in honoring the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of Gold Star families.
For more information, visit MyManatee.org.
