Indianapolis, IN - Families United, a national military organization
who supports Gold and Blue Star Families, showcased the National Gold
Star Family Registry at the VFW Convention in Indianapolis.
The Registry is a comprehensive database of Americans who gave their
lives in service of the nation. The National Gold Star Family Registry
is a 21st Century Memorial that utilizes the latest in technology to
provide a searchable, scalable database of America’s fallen Heroes.
Families United traveled to Indianapolis with portable kiosks to
display the vast ability of the Registry and to allow veterans the
ability search for the names of those who gave their life for the
nation dating back to WWII.
The Registry was on display each day at the Indiana Convention Center
for people from all over the world, including the Taiwanese delegation
who visited the Midwest. Families United Chairman John Ellsworth and
President Merrilee Carlson also traveled to Indianapolis and met with
Veterans, many who had friends and family in the Registry. Ellsworth
and Carlson are both Gold Star parents and their sons are forever
enshrined in the online memorial. Justin Ellsworth (LCP, USMC) gave his
life serving the United States during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The same
holds true for Michael Carlson (SGT, Army).
“The National Gold Star Family Registry is an incredible tribute to
those, who like my son, Justin, gave their life in defense of this
nation,” said Ellsworth. “Now there is one place to always remember
them, from WWII to the present day.”
Carlson echoed the sentiment of Ellsworth adding, “It was an honor to
watch as we helped Alice find her brother's name. Tears rolled down her
cheeks. She can now tell his story of a life w ell lived and given in
service to our country during WWII.” The National Gold Star Family
Registry is much more than just a search engine; it is a memorial to
our fallen heroes from every generation including Carlson’s son and
Alice's brother.
Families United also took time during
the week to tell visitors to the VFW Convention about the programs and
events the organization offers. Families United is committed to serving
Gold and Blue Star Families. Through Families United, military families
receive support, resources, and opportunities that they need to cope
with the absence of a loved one. We provide a voice for these families
to support our troops, veterans, and all who have served to protect our
values and freedoms.
Families United also provides a means for our veterans to be honored for their service and support to those who are currently fighting, and a place for patriotic Americans throughout the country to support our troops and their families.
Click here to view pictures of the Families United staff and the Registry at the VFW Convention.
