Gold Star Families, Afghan War Veterans In Western Maryland To Be Honored

An event is planned for November. .

Frederick, Md (KM) The Gold Star families and Afghanistan war veterans in western Maryland will be honored at an event next month.  Myerville Town Councilman Mark Flynn says the event being called “The Cost of Freedom” will take place on Saturday, November 6th from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at the Elks Lodge at 11063 Robinwood Drive. in Hagerstown.

The speakers for this event are Robert M. Breeding, a retired Lt. Col. in the US Air Force; Councilman Flynn; and Delegate Dan Cox whose running as a Republican for Maryland Governor.

The keynote address will be delivered by retired US Marine Corps Major Jim Warner, who spent five-and-a-half years as a POW in Hanoi, and is the recipient of the Bronze and Silver Star. He was also awarded the Legion of Merit and the Purple Heart. Warner served as a domestic policy advisor to President Ronald Reagan.

Flynn says there are about 200 Gold Star families and Afghanistan war veterans in western Maryland. “And with the recent withdrawal, we want our veterans and especially our veterans’ families who have made the ultimate sacrifice to know that we in America, especially in western Maryland, appreciate their sacrifice and will honor their loved ones,:” says Flynn.

The event is sponsored by the Washington County Republican Club.

Flynn says precautions will be taken to protect all of those attending against COVID-19. “They’ll be masks and people at the door with hand sanitizer, and social distancing in the hall,” he says.

The cost to attend is $25 per person; $20 for veterans.

Organizers say 100% of proceeds will be used to serve veterans.

By Kevin McManus