VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — More than 1.3 million military members have died in service to the nation in America's 247-year history.
The mission of the non-profit Honor and Remember is to perpetually recognize the sacrifice of fallen service members and their families. They pay their respects with their annual Run for the Fallen.
And they do it every year at the holidays, with their annual Honor and Remember Gold Star Family Evening -- free to all Gold Star families. This year will be the event's 14th year.
The Gold Star Family Evening recognizes the sacrifice of America's military fallen heroes and their families. It's not about being sad about the military member's loss but rather about celebrating the lives they lived.
George Lutz is the founder of Honor and Remember. His son, George Anthony Tony Lutz II, was killed in Iraq in 2005 at age 25.
"These folks need to know that they are not forgotten," he said. "Not just their loved ones haven't been forgotten, but they haven't been forgotten. Because they're the one here -- grieving."
The 2023 event is Sunday, Dec. 3 at the Founder's Inn in Virginia Beach from 5 to 8 pm.
This year's guest speaker is Virginia Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services Daniel Gade. The dinner will be emceed by former 13 News Now anchor and reporter Joe Flanagan.